Before buying a house, it is important to check out the neighborhood. Drive around the neighborhood at different times of the day and take note of the conditions. It would help if you also considered the distance from the house to local services and groceries, as this will affect your commute time. Also, the distance from the house to schools can affect the house’s value. Here are other important tips when buying a house:
Pre-approval Letters
Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is an important part of the buying process. It shows a seller you’re serious about buying a house from Smithfield, VA real estate. It also lets the seller know you have a set budget. It can cut down on your time looking at houses outside your budget.
Real estate agents don’t want to waste their time showing you homes you’re not approved for. It’s the same reason they ask for pre-approval from their clients. They’re running a tour guide and taxi cab business if they have to waste their time on buyers who don’t have pre-approvals.
Pre-approval letters are issued on official letterhead and show a seller you’re serious about buying a home. Sellers are more likely to negotiate with buyers who have a pre-approval letter. The letter typically includes the price of the house, the type of loan, how much it will cost, and the expiration date. You submit the letter with your offer to a seller, and some will ask for bank statements to check your finances.
Setting a Realistic Budget
One of the most important things to do when buying a house is to set a realistic budget. In addition, it would help if you planned for the one-time costs, such as the down payment and the ongoing costs. These include homeowner’s insurance, property taxes, and routine home maintenance. As such, preparing for these costs is important before you begin the house-buying process.
A realistic budget is important for various reasons, but the first is to determine the amount of the mortgage you can afford. In addition to the mortgage, there are other expenses you’ll have to pay monthly. Even if you can afford a $1,500 mortgage, you’ll likely need to budget for other expenses, such as utilities, insurance, and taxes.
It would help if you also increased your emergency savings. Experts recommend setting aside three to six months’ worth of living expenses just in case unexpected expenses arise. Your dream home can become a nightmare if you don’t plan for these costs.
Getting a Mortgage
Getting a mortgage when buying a home involves many steps. First, you need to be prequalified for a mortgage. Then, your lender will arrange for a title company to handle the paperwork. The title company will ensure that the seller owns the property. Once this is done, you will sign your loan documents and receive the check. You can then move into your new home.
It is important to have a budget. A mortgage application is five pages long and will ask for personal and financial details. Make sure you have enough cash to pay your monthly mortgage payments. Having several months’ reserves available before applying for a mortgage is also a good idea. An online mortgage calculator will allow you to begin planning your budget before applying for a mortgage.
Your credit score will be a major consideration when applying for a mortgage. A higher score can help you qualify for a lower interest rate. Conversely, a lower score will likely result in you paying more in the long run.
Choosing a Real Estate Agent
Choosing a real estate agent when buying your house is an important decision. Different real estate agents have different specialties, strengths, and experiences. Make sure to interview at least three agents and choose the one who is most compatible with your needs. Moreover, choose an agent that you enjoy working with.
When choosing a real estate agent, it is important to understand their fees and terms of service. A typical commission is 5 to 7 percent, split between the buyer and seller. Lower commissions tend to attract fewer agents. Some newer companies even rebate a portion of the commission to the seller and buyer. However, such rebates are only meaningful if the buyer and seller work well together.
While choosing an agent, you should also consider whether the agent you’re considering is a full-time agent or a part-timer. A full-time agent is generally more flexible and responsive. It would help if you also took note of their average list price-to-sale price ratio and their average closing time. It would help if you chose an agent with a proven track record of getting buyers into houses fast.