Buying a House | First Choice REALTORS®

So, you're ready to buy a house. Whether you're navigating the process for the first time, haven't hit the market in a while, or have some fairly recent experience shopping for homes, there's no doubt that following the right steps, at the right time, will make the process much easier to manage. But what do you do next? Our REALTORS® are here to help, with six insider tips to make home-buying a breeze.

Follow Our Six Insider Tips to Make Buying a House a Breeze

Get Your Financial Ducks in a Row
While there are many reasons to dip your toes into the real estate market, being financially prepared is a must if you truly want to take the next step toward owning a home. That means cleaning up your credit score, not taking out any new loans/opening new lines of credit, saving for a down payment, and making sure there's enough left over to cover the costs of moving into/furnishing your new home.
Learn about Lenders and Get Pre-Approved
Securing a mortgage is one of the most important steps when you buy a house and the place where you will begin to see all of that financial prep pay off. Start by researching lenders, learning about your options for loans, and sitting down to see what potential lenders have to offer. The ultimate goal is to find the right lender and get pre-approved for a loan, which will help establish your purchasing power for sellers while giving you an idea of exactly “how much home” you can afford.
Decide Wants, Needs, and Priorities
With your finances in order and pre-approval out of the way, you can get serious about narrowing your options. Make a list of wants, needs, and dealbreakers, prioritizing the things that matter most to you in a home. While it's hard to find a home that satisfies every item on your list, having priorities makes it easier to identify the best choice for your needs.
Get to Know the Neighborhood
While you're thinking about what you want from a home, make sure to set aside some time to consider what you want most from your neighborhood. The amenities, attractions, and school district of a neighborhood can have a big impact on home prices, and choosing a neighborhood you love is key to finding a home that you'll enjoy long-term.
Choosing a Home and Making a Competitive Offer
Once you have locked in on a home (or two) that matches your needs, it's time to make an offer that will get the seller's attention. The right offer will depend on whether it's a buyer's or seller's market, as well as the value of the home itself. This is one of many areas where working with the right real estate agent will make life so much easier.
How the Right Real Estate Agent Simplifies Every Step in the Process
From taking the temperature of the local real estate market to finding a home and making an offer, your real estate agent should be your go-to resource throughout the process. The right agent can help you develop a plan, accomplish your goals, and answer all of your key questions along the way.

Working with the right real estate agent will always be one of the best ways to simplify the home-buying process, and our team would love to help you buy a house that suits your needs. Contact First Choice REALTORS® to buy and sell homes throughout the northern panhandle of West Virginia.