Get Pre Qualified

One of the most important first steps to home buying is getting pre-qualified.  The application and pre-qualification process is simple and fast, and allows prospecive home buyers to know what price range will fit in their budget comfortably.  There is nothing more discouraging to new home buyers, than to find and fall in love with the "perfect home", only to find out later that they could not qualify for it, or that the payments would be too much of a strain on their budget.  There are many wonderful loan programs available for all credit types today.  Getting hooked up with a good lender, and knowing your "buying power" helps buyers spend their valuable time looking at homes they know they can purchase.  And when a "pre-qualified" buyer comes to the table with an offer, the seller feels confident that their offer is solid.  A Seller may even be inclined to accept a lower offer price from a "pre-qualified" buyer, than a higher offer from a buyer that has not met with a lender yet.  There is something to be said about the value of "peace of mind"!

"People are living longer than ever before, a phenomenon undoubtedly made necessary by the 30-year mortgage."

-Doug Larson 

Know what is Most Important

Before you "hit the pavement" looking for your new home, know what is most important to you.  This becomes especially true if there is more than one buyer - a couple for instance.  He may want a garage with 220 outlets, an unfinished basement, a large yard, and RV parking.  She may want an updated kitchen, separate "his & hers" closets in the master bedroom, a jetted tub and lots of natural light.  Is a 2-bedroom, 1-bath home sufficient for a young, growing family, or would the need for extra bedrooms and baths in the near future force a move sooner than desired?  Do you want to look only for new or remodeled homes where everything is updated and ready to move in to?  Or are you rather handy with the shop tools, and would prefer a lower priced "fixer-upper", allowing you to invest your own "sweat equity" into the home?  What neighborhoods would be nice to live in?  What about Schools?  Freeway access?  Commuting needs?  When buyers know what is most important, that information allows an agent to be more efficient in finding the right homes to view.  And that makes for a positive house hunting experience!

"There's nothing to match curling up with a good book when there's a repair job to be done around the house"   -Joe Ryan