Buying a new home? These 5 tips are for you…

If you’re stepping into homeownership, you’re likely feeling all the emotions. You feel excited… and, of course, a little overwhelmed. Understandable! Buying a home is a big deal. Where do you begin? 

1. Write down your needs and your wants. 

Is a home office a deal breaker or icing on the cake? How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need, and how many do you want? Go ahead and define the “must haves” and the “nice to haves.” These two lists will be helpful guides in your search. 

2. Get pre-approved for a loan. 

Don’t go home shopping without having a solid sense of your budget. By getting loan pre-approval, you can better understand how much money you can borrow. Keep in mind — you don’t have to go with the first loan that you are approved for, so feel free to shop around to make sure that you get the best interest rates!

3. Find the right real estate agent. 

Make sure you’re comfortable with the agent you choose! You should be able to ask your agent any questions and rely on their expertise. Look for a great listener with strong communication skills. Can you count on them to make the process as stress-free as possible? 

4. Get a professional home inspection. 

No one likes surprise repairs after closing the sale. A professional inspection can help you avoid surprises. If issues do surface during the inspection, negotiate to have them resolved before your close.

5. Buy a home warranty. 

Yes, a shameless plug! With good reason… because repairs are a not-so-exciting reality of homeownership. Make sure a home warranty is part of your home purchase to help save you money on the wear and tear needs that are bound to occur.