BUYERS

Real estate is one of the biggest investments most of us will make in our lifetime. It entails commitment and a well-considered strategy to make sure that we make the right decisions along the way as we go through the process of buying a home. Here are some helpful points to help you in your path to homeownership.

1. Know your options and the state of the real estate market specific to your area and narrow it down.
   • When it comes to real estate, it’s all about location! Make a list of the communities you picture yourself living in and take note of their features. Drive around the areas that stand out to you and get a good feel for them.
   • You should also do a substantial amount of research about the history and future developments surrounding the area. This way you can get an idea about the property’s possible resale value.
   • When it comes to narrowing down the houses you’re considering, one helpful trick is to write down the home features that are absolutely essential in your new home. Beside it, write the home features you want your new home to have, but can be considered as “negotiable.” This will help you decide on which home meets your needs in a more effective way.
2. Get your finances in order.
   • Factor in all the expenses that come with making a real estate purchase. Make your list as specific and accurate as possible, so you can budget better.
   • Determine your floor and ceiling price and stay within budget.
   • Check your credit score as early in the process as possible so you’ll have time to correct any errors or to improve it. Also, keep big expenses at a minimum.
3. Take your time. Take counsel.
   • Don’t get too excited! Don’t make spur of the moment decisions that you might regret later, give yourself a chance to digest the information you are learning about the properties and communities that you have narrowed down.
   • And most importantly, hire a real estate professional you can trust who has substantial experience in handling negotiations in the type of property you’re looking to buy in the area that it’s situated in. This will give you a big advantage in getting the best value out of your investment and they will also help you in dealing with the paperwork that comes with the buying process.