If you have never purchased a home before, the process can seem overwhelming. What, exactly, do you need to do before you buy a home? What steps do you need to take? And where do you start?
A recent article from realtor.com outlined some of the most important initial steps first-time homeowners need to take as they navigate the home buying process, including:
Saving for a down payment. Most lenders require you to cover a percentage of the home’s cost in cash—known as a down payment. While a 20 percent down payment can be beneficial, it is not typically necessary. Many lenders are willing to work with Buyers with a lower down payment—so just save up as much as you can prior to starting your home search.
Getting pre-approved for a mortgage. Before you start looking for a home, you need to know how much home you can afford—and that means getting pre-approved for your mortgage. Once you are pre-approved, you know exactly how much you have to spend—which will save you time, energy, and frustration during your home search. (No one wants to fall in love with a home, only to find out they are not approved for a large enough mortgage to purchase it.)
Finding the right real estate agent. great real estate agent will walk you through the entire home buying process, whether that is finding you the right home, negotiating a great deal, or answering questions along the way. So, before you get too far into your home search, make sure to find a trusted, reputable agent to partner with.
The Takeaway:
Bottom line? If you have never purchased a home before, it can be hard to know where to begin—but these steps are a great place to start!
