What does your dream home look like?
Is it suburban dwelling with a white picket fence, a city address like the Hyde Square apartments, or something a little more rural with plenty of land?
Everyone has their own idea of the perfect home, but all too many spend years house hunting without ever settling into their dream.
Believe it or not, there are tips and tricks out there that can help make your dream come true. Check out this advice to find out how you can own the home you’ve envisioned.
Steps to Consider
Whether you are buying your first home or transitioning from a starter house, the steps to acquire your dream home remain the same. You will need to:
- Get preapproved for a loan
- Find a real estate agent
- Decide what aspects you need and which you want
- Look at what’s available
- And make an offer
Getting Preapproved
Most real estate agents won’t consider showing you homes until you have been preapproved for a mortgage loan. Before getting started with anything, you’ll need to meet with a lender to discuss your budget and possible price points. Bank statements, tax returns, and pay stubs go a long way in determining how much money you can receive.
Make sure that your lender gives you a strong pre-approval letter. This will help you stand a better chance of buying the home you want when there are multiple offers on the table.
Finding an Agent
Without a buyer’s agent by your side, you could end up spending thousands more than you need to on your new home. Look for someone who works full time and can show you a home within 24 to 36 hours. The market moves fast, and you agent needs to make sure you do not miss out on an opportunity.
You also want someone who will listen to and understand your needs. The houses they show you should reflect exactly what you need in a home. If an agent can tick all of these boxes, then they’re the one for the job.
Make a List
Before meeting with your agent, it is a good idea to make a list of your home wants and needs. Do you need something close to work, your children’s school, or family? Is there a nearby grocery store as well as any other amenities you might need? These are just examples of what you may want to consider.
After you’ve crafted a list of everything you want in a home, decide which points you absolutely must have. This will help your agent pick out the best homes for your current situation.
Hunting and Making an Offer
While your agent is tracking down homes in the area you’ve chosen, look online to see what listings are available. This will give you an excellent idea of what the area has to offer at the moment, keeping your expectations realistic. Homes pop up on the market every day, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t immediately see something you love.
Once you have found your dream home, the next step is to make an offer. Your agent will help you come up with a reasonable offer. Often times, they can be a vital messenger between you and the seller, helping to hammer out finer points of the offer and move the process along in your favor. The process is usually quicker with an apartment like 19 Dutch, as homeowners may need additional time to pack before they move out.
Finally, you need to be patient. Your first offer might not work out, and the first home you look at may not be the one you end up in. Keep your head up, keep in close contact with your agent, and you’ll be in your dream home before you know it.