For the majority of American’s, a home purchase is by far the most expensive financial purchase they will make so its no wonder the process can seem daunting. Finding the perfect home is much more than just a matter of finances. New homebuyers must know about location, schools, amenities, neighbors and they myriad of other factors that turn a house into your family’s home.
Here are some helpful tips to get you started:
Contact a REALTOR®
A RE/MAX Executive Associate can help you through the entire process of buying a home, starting with the mortgage and continuing right through closing. Contact RE/MAX Executive to get in touch with a veteran Realtor®.
Get Pre-approved for a Loan
Obtain a copy of your credit report and your FICO score. Be sure to review it thoroughly for any possible mistakes or discrepancy. The higher your FICO score, the lower your interest rate. You can get this information by contacting a Mortgage Professional, or ask your RE/MAX Executive Associate for assistance. Visit our mortgage services page to start the process.
Determine What You Can Afford
Once you have spoken with a Mortgage Professional, you should have a good idea about how much home you can afford. This helps you narrow down your home search. You should also research neighborhoods in which you might want to live. Your RE/MAX Executive Associate can help.
Testing the Market
Search for homes on this website to help you find listings that meet your criteria as well as neighborhood data. Identify properties that seem to be fits for you, take an afternoon and go on a driving tour. See what’s available in your price range and explore neighborhoods. Contact a RE/MAX Executive Assocaiate when you’re ready to start viewing homes and let them help guide you throught the home buying experience.
Now It’s Time For A REALTOR®
Now that you’ve done a little research on your own, an agent can add to the list of homes you’ve already identified – including homes that have just come on the market. A RE/MAX Executive Associate has the expertise and years of experience to allow them to look at homes with a critical eye.
Make an Offer
When you’ve identified the home you want to buy, be prepared to help your agent prepare a written offer quickly. Your agent will be familiar with market values and will help you arrive at a price that gives your offer the best chance of being accepted.
Allows remember not to become too emotionally attached to the home you’re making an offer on. There is always a chance that your offer may not be accepted for any number of reasons. Ideally, you should try and have a backup homes in mind, and always be prepared to negotiate through your agent with the sellers.
Why You Should Use a REALTOR®
Buying a home is probably the largest investment you’ll make in your lifetime. Having an experienced, knowledgeable RE/MAX Executive professional representing you in this transaction just makes good sense.
Buying a home is not like buying a car, a mutual fund or other commodity. It can be a life-changing event. RE/MAX Executive agents fully understand the real estate process – and just as important, they understand your local market.
Of course they know the right steps to take, but they can also help you avoid a misstep in your home purchase. If a new freeway is going to be built a few blocks away, they’ll probably know it. If you’re unsure about school districts, they’ll be able to direct you to answers. If you’re unsure of a builder’s reputation, they’ll know how you can confirm it.
Your RE/MAX Executive Sales Associate also performs another important function: minimizing the emotion involved in a home transaction. You may be in love with a home, but your agent can point out factors that might not make it right for you.
So if you are thinking about buying a home in Charlotte, contact RE/MAX Executive today!