Keep calm and find the right home
House-hunting can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially if you're a first-time buyer, because you don't want to make a mistake that could have a negative influence on your financial future.
However, if you take the following four steps before you even start looking at homes for sale, it will help to keep you calm:
- Ask a mortgage originator to help you get pre-approved for a home loan so you will know your buying capacity and be able to assure sellers that you are a serious buyer.
- Think carefully about what kind of property you want - apartment, house or townhouse? An older home with more space and a bigger garden, or a newer home that needs less maintenance?
- Make a list of your must-have features (at least two bedrooms, perhaps) versus your nice-to-haves (like a second garage) which will help you to tick off the essentials when you start viewing homes online or in person.
- Do some research online and identify a few areas you can look at that not only have homes in your price range but are also within easy reach of work and have the schools, shops and any other amenities you need.
Author RealNet
