Buying Tips

Buying a home can be challenging. Avoid common headaches with these insider tips.

Assess your needs You’ve done a lot of work so far. Now it’s time to figure out what kind of house you need. Are you planning to have a family? The number of bedrooms and area school system might be a priority. Hate traffic? Location is a major factor. Consider which amenities and features are necessary for you and your family to live comfortably.
Search early and often Research areas you’re interested in, browse Listing.com for new listings, consult your agent frequently, and make time in your schedule to attend open houses. The more competitive your market, the more quickly the inventory moves.
Get pre-approved for a loan Sellers will take your offer more seriously if you’ve been already been approved for a loan. In a competitive housing market, this can be the difference between someone accepting your offer or taking someone else’s. Not sure where to start? Get in touch with one of our mortgage professionals today.
Make a competitive offer Making an offer on a home is both stressful and exciting. While every buyer wants to get the best price, it’s important not to low ball too much. You don’t want to offend the seller, but you also want to make sure you’re bidding in a range you can afford. A competitive offer strikes a balance between both. Don’t wait too long, either. In some markets, houses disappear within a few days. You don’t want the home of your dreams to slip away.
Don’t do it alone Whether you’re a first time buyer or moving into the home you plan to retire in, no one is better equipped to help you than a Listing.com home buying agent. Our trusted professionals are at the top of the game in their respective markets, which means they know your beloved target neighborhoods like the back of their hand.
Determine your budget Before you start browsing the market, it’s time to do some investigating first. Based on the money you have set aside for a down payment, it’s essential you figure out how much you are willing to spend on monthly mortgage payments and other big variables.
Keep other costs in mind So you’ve finally calculated how much you can afford to spend on a home. But a home’s price isn’t the only money you need to factor into your budget. A lot of other things need to be paid and accounted for as well. This includes: closing costs, property tax payments, moving and renovation costs, an emergency fund in case things don’t go as planned, and any other associated fees.
Double (and triple) check the property The house you love may feel perfect, but you should get to know it better before you commit. Check out the home at different times of day. A night time drive through the neighborhood could change your opinion in an instant. Check out neighboring properties. Are the neighbors taking care of their homes and keeping up with maintenance? Looking at your home from a variety of angles will give you a stronger understanding of what it’s like to live there.