House Hunting Tips

If your buying a home or thinking about buying a home these tips will help make your house hunting experience rewarding.

1) Location, location, location. You've heard it before and it really is true. Location is crucial. How far do you want to commute to work? How are the schools and shopping centers in the possible location?

2) Make a list. Do you know what you really want and need in your new home? You'll save many hours if you have a nice list of things you want to look for ahead of time. Zero in on the features you must have. Have your realtor only show you houses that have want you must have. Start compiling your wish list by thinking about what you like and dislike about your current home.

3) Hit the books. Go surfing on the web and look at market trends, homes on the market, neighborhood statistics, and recent home sales prices. Get educated and become empowered.

4) Get preapproved for a mortgage. Rather than guess or estimate how big of a loan you can get, ask a lender or broker how much you are qualified for. This number might be less than you think.

5) Use a checklist. When looking at multiple homes take notes at each. Turn your priorities into a personalized home-shopping list and use it to track the features of each home.

6) Be prepared to make an offer. House hunting can be frustrating especially if your not really ready emotionally or financially. If your not ready don't put yourself through it. If you are ready, go through a blank purchase contract ahead of time so you'll know what decisions you'll face when you make an offer. Have your buyer's specialist help you with this.