Buying a Home? 3 Tips You Need to Know

Potential new homebuyers are noticing FOR SALE signs swinging from posts in neighborhoods everywhere. There’s so much to consider… Are you:

• A first-time homebuyer?
• Considering the purchase of a second/vacation home?
• An empty nester looking to downsize?
• Considering the purchase of an investment property?

Regardless of which of these categories you might fall into, one thing is for sure… you don’t want to purchase more than you can comfortably afford.

Here are 3 tips to get you started on the home-buying journey:

1. Speak to a mortgage professional to discuss what you are considering and what you can afford.
2. Interview realtors in the areas you are thinking about for your purchase.
3. Engage an attorney who specializes in residential real estate transactions in the state where you would like to buy.

In each of these instances, be sure to ask a lot of questions and be honest about your credit, income, and available assets. Don’t allow yourself to be rushed into anything and meet with the professional of your choice more than once. Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and/or co-workers who have recently been through the process and had a positive experience -- it could save you a lot of time.

First-time homebuyers should start early to ensure that they are getting the best possible information. If you are not a first-time buyer, you should still follow these tips since there have been many changes in the home-buying process over the last few years.

You owe it to yourself to seek and engage a reputable professional. If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is!

Finally, it is really a great time to buy and homeownership is a wonderful and rewarding privilege. Rates continue to be at historic lows, which increases your buying power, and purchase prices have, for the most part, stabilized. It could be the perfect combination for you.

So purchase a shiny new spiral notebook – with pockets – to take notes and collect business cards. Being organized and having all of your information in one place is half the battle. Then go out there, ask questions, be prepared and, most of all have, fun with it!