Home Buying Tips

Buying a new home is stressful! To keep the process as hassle-free as possible, try some of these tips.

Get Pre-Approved
Almost anybody can get pre-qualified for a loan. If you are pre-approved, a lender knows how much you can afford and how much they are willing to lend you. It can save you time and energy so you do not look at houses that you can’t afford. Being pre-approved also lets you look for the best deal and interest rates.

Avoid Border Disputes
Make sure to get a land survey done so you know exactly what you’re buying and precisely where your property lines lay. Property taxes are usually based on how much property you have, so having an accurate map drawn up can only save you from problems in the future.

Don’t Time the Market
The housing market is almost impossible to time. The best time to buy a house is when you find the perfect one that you can afford.

Avoid Sleeper Costs
A mortgage payment is not the only expense when buying a house. There are other expenses like property taxes, utilities and homeowner-associate dues. Other potential costs come from repairs, maintenance and property-tax increase. Add these costs into your budget so you’re covered.

Hire an Inspector
A small payment now could save you thousands later. This is the best way to get an unbiased, third-party, professional opinion.

Learn the Neighborhood
Drive by during different times of day to find out more about the neighborhood. Try driving your regular commute from this new house to make sure it’s something you can handle on a daily basis. Make sure to know how far it is to the grocery store and other stores. It is also important to research schools in the area (even if you don’t have children) because this can affect the value of your house.