What are the steps in buying your first home? The homebuying process is a bit different for every sale, but still includes a few major steps. Knowing how to prepare for these steps will help you not only in buying a house, but in being a successful homeowner for years to come.
Here are some of the major steps to consider:
Find a real estate agent
You might know that buying houses is a complicated process. While most homebuyers opt for taking the journey on their own, having a trusted real estate agent makes things much more simple.
Real estate agents can help guide you through the entire homebuying journey, ensuring you find the best house, answer questions that are important to you, provide valuable advice and negotiate with sellers.
Plan for the down payment
Once you have determined the amount to spend for your down payment, you will determine how to save for it. A small down payment will require less cash upfront and will require mortgage insurance, which adds to your long-term costs.
If it is your first home, consider checking out first time homebuyer programs. There are many forms of financial aid, such as down payment assistance and help to lower your monthly mortgage payments.
Find the right mortgage for you
Your choice of mortgage matters, both in scoring the home of your dreams and in affording it long-term. Before determining what type of mortgage to apply for, it's vital to understand their advantages and disadvantages.
The most common mortgage categories are traditional loans and FHA loans. Traditional loans are mortgages you get from a bank or other lender, while a FHA loan is backed by the Federal Housing Administration. Each has their own requirements for eligibility and approval to consider.
Don't forget the rest of the homebuying process
Once you've made your financial plans, it's time to find your dream home. Work with your real estate agent on your house hunting, as they can help you find the features, size, location and purchase price you're seeking.
Once you find a home and make an offer, next comes negotiation, home inspection, home appraisal and eventually paying your closing costs. Closing on a home is another aspect of homebuying that a real estate agent can streamline with confidence.
Whether it's finding the right home loan or figuring out homeowners insurance, there are many steps in the homebuying process. While it can be a complex real estate transaction, following these basics - and working with a qualified real estate professional - will make your journey quicker and smoother.
About the Author
Debbie Caldwell
When you first meet Debbie Harris-Caldwell, you are immediately drawn to her charming Welsh accent and the twinkle in her eye. The well-traveled transplant from Wales is quick to set you at ease and time spent with her promises to be time well spent.
Debbie has been a real estate agent for 40 years and takes great pride in her customer service skills. "I make myself available to my customers when they need me, whether it's on a Sunday Evening or after their long day at work. I make my schedule fit theirs. I also keep my customers updated on everything happening with their listings or purchase, I am their conduit for information." She has built a business following her key principles of clear communication, attention to detail, client advocacy, and comprehensive knowledge of the area. Debbie comes to every new transaction with positive energy, determination, a strong understanding of the currents driving the market, and the expertise that comes from a lifetime of experience. She knows the importance of marketing and whether a home is for sale for $200,000 or for $2 million, she always has professional photography done and creates a listing presentation that best shows off her customer's home.