Purchasing your first house is an enormous accomplishment. There are many different factors to think about when searching for your first house. Consider following these tips to help get the most out of your experience buying your first house.
The Paperwork
Buying a house comes along with an inordinate amount of paperwork. When buying a home, you will be faced with bank statements, W-2 forms, insurance applications and many more documents. Filling out paperwork ahead of time could give a competitive edge to other potential buyers. Get pre-approval with loans to know how much you can afford on your first home. This will keep you in check in regards to price range and will not leave you hoping that you can afford the home way out of your price range.
Bring Someone
Do not go alone to a house that you are potentially going to buy. Real estate agents serve as a great asset to negotiate on your behalf. Real estate agents can make the home buying process quicker, so you don’t lose out on your dream home. If you cannot find a trustworthy real estate agent, then bring along someone who you do trust. Bring a parent, a sibling, or close friend who knows a thing or two about houses to help evaluate the house. Anyone who you trust and has been through the home buying process before will be a valuable help when viewing potential houses.
Hidden Costs
When closing a deal on a home, you may encounter some hidden costs that you did not expect. Prepare yourself for hidden costs throughout the home buying process. Hidden costs may refer to closing costs, loan processing, appraisal, or surveying fees. Be sure to be prepared for hidden costs during the closing process of buying your first house.
The Neighborhood
Don’t close a deal on a house without first checking the surrounding neighborhood. You want to avoid closing a deal with your first house just to find out that your neighbors are crazy! Visit your potential neighbors and get to know them on a personal level. Look into what local schools are in the surrounding area. Any concern you may have should be thoroughly researched and evaluated. Neighbors to your potential house can be very helpful in providing information on things that go on in the neighborhood.
Inspections
Consider doing all kinds of inspections with your potential home. Hiring a home inspector is a great way to identify big-ticket problems. Consider hiring multiple inspectors for all inspections to identify issues before closing.