Whether you’re currently renting, and home ownership is one of your goals for 2022, or you’re planning on selling your current home and buying a new one, here are four quick tips to prepare you for the home buying experience:
Make a new home wish list.
Try to rank your priorities. If real estate inventory is tight in your area (likely) and houses are selling quickly, you’ll want to know what you’ll consider and what you won’t without needing days to ponder a decision.
Be flexible.
Again, based on tight inventory, you may not be able to get everything on your wish list. What could you initially do without, then add/remodel later? Keep in mind that as always, location is the one thing you can’t change later.
Do research.
Not everything you read on the internet is true (shocker!), and that includes ‘available’ listings you may see on some websites. However, spend time getting to know the real estate market in your area, and also investigate some areas a little outside the area you ‘think’ you want. You might discover a town or community you had not previously considered that will expand your available options.
Talk to a real estate agent and a lender.
In this market you need to know from a lender how much house you can afford before most agents will show you properties, so they are a good place to start. If you have any questions about the buying process, ask an agent – it’s one area that you shouldn’t research with Google. Real estate procedures and laws vary from state to state and county to county, so Google or friends’ information may not be accurate for your specific question. Real estate agents and lenders are happy to talk to you and provide you with information without you making any commitment to them.
Need an agent? Get in touch with me and I would be happy to refer you to some great ones in your area.
Southeast Real Estate Referrals 