4 Things Every First-Time Home Buyer Should Know
If you are currently planning on buying your first home, you are probably experiencing a lot of excitement and nervousness. Buying your first home is a wonderful experience, but it can also be a stressful one when you don't know what to expect. Here are some things to know about buying a home before you start the process.
You Should Have the Loan Approved First
Before you even think about looking for homes available for sale and putting in offers, you should find out what your financial situation is. This begins with looking at your monthly income and figuring out how much mortgage you can afford, as well as getting a handle on your credit rating and saving money for a down payment. It is a really good idea to at least have a home loan pre-approved beforehand, as that makes the closing process go much more smoothly.
Negotiations Should Always Be Done
It is tempting to skip an inspection of your home because it is a newer home or it looks to be in great shape. However, this doesn't mean there aren't underlying issues not made obvious right away. These potential problems might not be a deal breaker, but they could affect how much of an offer you give. Remember that even after you have the inspection done, you can still negotiate the house price. You might even be able to request the owners do some upkeep before you move in. Be patient and wait to put in your offer until the inspection is done.
There is a Lot to Consider With the Area
You might be looking at the area of the home in terms of the neighbourhood, how much noise there currently is, and what the schools are like. While these are all important, there is more to think about. Particularly, what type of future developments might be planned in that area. If your home is close to some vacant lots, you should expect those lots will be filled at some point, either by other houses or businesses. Look into future developments in the neighbourhood so you don't buy a house that ends up being close to a busy shopping mall or a loud industrial building.
You Need a Realtor and a Conveyancer
There are multiple professionals that will help you look for and purchase a home, so don't assume you can do everything yourself. The realtor is going to help you find homes, and not just what you find listed online. They often have listings not yet open to the public, which is great because you can be the first person to view and put in an offer for a home. The conveyance is going to help you with the legal aspect of buying the home, including signing over the final contract.
For more information, see a website such as http://mihomeseller.com.