6 steps before you become a first time homeowner

Buying a home is both exciting and stressful as there are many things to consider before receiving this keychain.

There is no need to rush in and you should take the time to consider all of the factors before making a purchase.

Since this is a big decision, here are 6 steps to take before you become a homeowner for the first time.

1. Do your research thoroughly

The first step in buying a home is to determine what you are looking for and to determine if it fits your expectations well. Decide which neighborhoods interest you and check out property prices in that area as well as the crime rate, schools, commuting, and other features like parks and restaurants. Of course, your budget will play a huge role in this decision-making process, as will the renovation work that will be required to remodel the place.

2. Determine your budget before you start your search

Your budget will tell you what type of home you can afford and where, based on the current real estate market. If you own a property and plan to sell it, hire an appraiser to get the highest and lowest appraisal you can get for your current home. If you do some renovation work, you can often sell them for a higher price and faster. You should therefore also take these costs into account in your calculations.

After considering all incomes and possible cash inflows, you should consider other options such as loans and programs that will give you the necessary finances. This also shows you how much you can go over budget and what you still need to spend on design, furniture and appliances.

3. See what your loan options are

Once you have your budget set, the next step is to talk to your banker and financial advisor about it Your loan options. Prequalifying for a mortgage is one of the ways to set your budget and you will need to provide the lender with information about your income, investments, and savings.

Also check your balance before applying for credit as this has a huge impact on the amount you can get. Make sure that you correct the wrong information in a timely manner and make the necessary updates to your creditworthiness so that it is correct and improved. Also, carefully review the terms and requirements of any loan you are considering and ask as many questions as necessary to choose the most appropriate one.

4. Find the right real estate agent

Choosing a real estate agent can make a huge difference when buying a home. They will help you negotiate, get a cheaper price and find the property that suits you. If there is something that you find problematic about the property, you can see the owners repair it or lower the price.

Basically, the parameters you give your real estate agent serve as guidelines for finding your dream home. Additionally, they know the market and can advise you to look out for a different neighborhood or invest in a different type of property.

5. Carry out a house inspection before buying

A home inspection is a necessary step before closing the deal and becoming a proud homeowner. This way, you will know if the seller was honest in their presentation of the property and what renovations and repairs to do.

Make sure you hire professionals to look for pest infestation Assured building and pest inspections as this can be a hidden problem to cause serious problems. Termites can slowly eat their way through structure, and by the time you see the signs, it may be too late to do expensive damage control.

6. When you start shopping for your home

The best place to start the shopping process is to take a look at the properties that have been in the market for a while. Usually you can lower the price for these properties as well negotiate a better deal with the owners. Places just listed often have higher prices, although these adverts are also not to be missed as you can sometimes find property that is urgently sold and you can pay less than market value.

Final thoughts

Remember, becoming a first time homeowner is a process and follow all of these steps to do it appropriately so that you can enjoy your purchase. No matter how nerve-wracking it is, in the end you will be genuinely happy and satisfied owning a property that you can call home.

Sarah Jessica Smith is a young blogger from Sydney. She is in love with life and all the things that can make her everyday life easier. She loves to write about home improvement, lifestyle and all the little things that make life such a great adventure.