If you are searching for a home, you probably spend a lot of time on home search websites and apps. There are so many resources available to home buyers to find homes for sale, but what do you do once you find your dream home online? There are some important steps to make your home buying process as smooth as possible!
Find a Lender
Before you start touring properties, you should meet with a local trusted lender and find out the amount and type of loan you qualify to borrow. You likely have an idea of what you want to spend, but getting pre-qualified allows you to view homes in your price range with the knowledge that you can afford to make an offer if you fall in love with a property.
Find An Agent
When you find a property listed online, there will be an agent associated with the property. This is the listing agent, and they represent the seller. You can utilize this agent, but keep in mind that they’ll be looking out for the seller first and only assisting you as a buyer. We always recommend finding your own buyer’s representation, meaning your own agent.
A great place to start looking for an agent is asking friends and family for recommendations. Anyone who owns a home will likely know a realtor; gather some names and do some research. If you can’t get a recommendation, look into local agents on your own. Finding the right agent is really important: they’ll be helping you navigate a major financial transaction, and you want to feel comfortable with their knowledge and expertise.
Tour The Home
The next step is to see the home in person! Make sure it’s everything you’re hoping for and that it lives up to its online listing. Try to visit more than once at different times of day. Also, do some research into the things that matter to you, like nearby schools, local amenities, commute times, and so on.
Make An Offer
If you tour the home and still love it, then it’s time to make an offer! This is where an experienced, local agent really makes things easier. Your agent should be an expert in the local market, able to guide you through the process with ease. They’ll have knowledge of what similar homes in the neighborhood are selling for and help you put together a fair offer for both you and the seller. They’ll also be crucial in any price negotiations after that first offer.
Buying a home is exciting, stressful, and a bit nerve-wracking. Searching for properties online is a great way to narrow down your list of possibilities and sift through everything on the market in your preferred area. Once you’ve found that handful of favorites—or even the one—having a great local agent is vital. Finding someone you trust will help you navigate the complicated and often emotional path of buying a home.
