Home Buyers’ Guide
To buy a home, you may follow the steps below:
- Determine your price range and area(s) in which you are interested
A number of factors determine the price range of homes you’ll want to preview: down payment and the amount of loan you can qualify. - Get preapproval for a Loan
To be qualified for a loan, the following factors are considered: employment history, credit history and scores, and monthly income and expenses. - Decide which amenities and features
Find out which amenities and features you must have and which would be nice but not necessary. - Begin testing the market
Identify properties that fit you and take a driving tour to find out what’s available in your price range. Explore neighborhoods to see whether this is the place you would like to live. - Begin seriously looking at homes
Exam homes with a critical eye – does the floor plan work for you, is the property in good condition? Take notes at each home you visit and re-visit homes in which you’re interested. See them at different times of the day. - Make an offer
After you’ve identified the home you want to buy, ask your agent to prepare a written offer. He/she will analyze the market and find out what other homes have sold in the area and what the condition of the houses. Then, you will arrive at a price that is reasonable and gives your offer the best chance of being accepted.