When it comes to buying a home, you may not have a clue on how to go about things if this is going to be your first go-round. Luckily, you have a lot of resources you can turn to that will help point you in the right directions along the way. For one, this article can serve as a great little guide to help you have a bit of a better understanding on the things you should do once you decide now is the time for you to buy.
Step one: Make sure you are in a good place to buy
The first thing to do is to take a step back from your wants and look at your situation realistically. Make sure this is the right time for you and your family and that you are in a good place for buying. Male sure you have time on the job, you at least have fair credit and that you know what region you want to stay in permanently.
Step two: Get yourself set up with a real estate agent
Once you know you are serious, go get yourself a real estate agent. This will help you throughout the entire process because you will have someone explaining everything to you, someone walking you through the paperwork, someone searching for the right home for your family and someone taking care of the communications part of the buying process. One thing a realtor can help with is pointing you in the right direction of a lender that should work well for your situation, which leads into the next step.
Step three: Go in to get preapproved
Once you find the lender you would like to work with, go through the preapproval process. Some of the things you are going to need to start this process is information on your employer, bank statements, your taxes and anything else the lender requires in order to get you preapproved. Many selling agents won't even entertain showing a home to you unless you have already been preapproved. Not only does this show you are serious, but it also lets them know you have been preapproved for enough to be considering that property.
Step four: Get busy looking for your next home
Work closely with your agent to make sure they know what you want, what you need and what you are willing to pay. Let them know about changes to any of your contact information right away and always be sure to call them right back anytime you see you missed a call from them.
Step five: Reserve your moving company services as soon as you have a date
Once you have a closing date for Escrow, it is important for you to make your reservations with the moving company. You can reserve the truck, movers, supplies you need and a trailer for your car. Making reservations early can help you get a better rate and it also ensures that everything you need is going to be available for the dates that you need them.