If you are a member of the military and are about to buy your first home, then you need as many tips for buyers as possible. Our first tip is to make sure that you are working with the best possible buyers’ agent. Read on for other tips or contact Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices directly at (310) 373-0021 for help from an experienced real estate professional.
Check Your Credit Score
First and foremost, check your credit score. Do not assume that you know what is in it. Do not assume that your credit is good or bad – get the facts. When you check your credit score, you will have good insight into how strong of a borrower you are likely to be. This will affect your interest rate, the amount of money a lender will end to you, and other important home-buying issues.
Do Your Research
Even if you have a picture in your mind of the perfect home, try not to hold on to it too tightly. You should find out what is actually available in your price range in the area you want to live in. Often, the dream and the reality do not match up, and the sooner you determine that the sooner you can start looking for homes you can actually afford.
Keep the Big Picture in Mind
As you start to look at online listings, do not think of rating them as homes you want or homes you don’t want. Instead, take them apart. Do you like this kitchen? Even if you do not like the location or the rest of the home, does one home have a bedroom style you really like? Write down all the styles, designs, and factors you like so that you will be better able to share with your real estate professional the specific things you are interested in.
Get Pre-Approval
Before you start looking in earnest, we recommend getting pre-approved. There are a few reasons this is important. First of all, if you do not get approved in advance, you could fall in love with a home that ends up being twice what a lender will offer you. Second, even if you find the perfect home within your price range, it takes time to get approved. You do not want to miss out just because you started the approval process too late.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that you deserve to have someone on your side. You deserve Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. Call us now at (310) 373-0021 to find out how we can help make the home buying process fun and easy.