Home Buying Tips ~ Strategies and Tools🤩

What’s Next? 

🏡 So, you’ve done the hard work of scrolling through listings, driving through neighborhoods, and envisioning your life in different homes. Exciting, right? Now that you’ve got a shortlist of dream homes, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get into the nitty-gritty. Here are the 12 Home Buying Tips steps you should follow next:

Step 1: Secure Mortgage Approval

Before anything else, make sure you have your mortgage approval in hand. Also, make sure it is up to date. This tells sellers you’re a serious buyer and helps you understand what you can afford, and it’ll give you a clear budget. No guesswork is needed! 💹

Step 2: Double Check Your Wish List

You can dial into your ideal home based on your criteria on my website. Take the extra time to ensure the home(s) meet your needs. Ask yourself what matters most to you – Location? School District? Large Lot? Finished Basement? 3-car garage? You get the picture; be specific about what you want! 🌠

Step 3: Prioritize Your Choices

Not all homes are created equally. Put your homes in order, from your top pick down to the least favorite. We don’t want to miss the one because it got lost in the shuffle. 🔢

 Step 4: Contact Your Real Estate Agent

That’s right ~ it’s time to give me a call!!🤩 We’ll move to step 5 and discuss the preliminary questions. This will allow you to reprioritize your list.📲

 Step 5: Prepare Your Questions in Advance

Before we walk in the door, let’s do a background check on the house. How long has it been on the market? Is the home priced Right? Let’s have it in hand and review the seller’s Disclosures. Is there a Homeowners Association, and what are the fees? Depending on the answers, some homes may not make the cut⁉️

 Step 6: Coordinate Scheduling

Now, it’s time to set up those appointments. Do you want to view them all in one day or spread them out? We want to ensure you can comfortably explore each home without feeling rushed. Make sure you dress comfortably and bring snacks if we make the day of it. 🎯

 Step 7: Take Notes ~ Photo’s/Video ~

We may see many homes, and they’ll blur together. Take notes or photos, or better yet, video the unique features you liked vs. the drawbacks of each property. I’ll inform the agent when I schedule the appointment so the seller knows.📸

 Step 8: Imagine Your Life There

As you walk through each home, envision your life there and how you’d use the space. If you have kids, maybe they should be with you as they are part of the decision-making process, and yes, even our 4-legged kids need to weigh in if the home will work for them, too. This will help you connect emotionally and make your decision easier.🏡✨

 Step 9: Rank Your Choice

When you go home and have some time, review your notes, including pictures/videos. Are there any deal breakers, and do we need to remove them from the list?🔢

Step 10: Do We Need to Revisit Favorites

If you’re torn between a few homes, consider revisiting your favorites for a 2^nd look and prioritize that list. Sometimes, a return visit can clarify your decision.🔀

Step 11: Prepare for the Offer

Awesome 😃 you’ve found the one. I’ll help you craft a compelling offer that stands out but stays within your budget. I’ll guide you through the ins and outs so you can make the best decisions for you and ensure we’re putting our best foot forward. Let’s get started💥

 Step 12: Celebrate ~ You’re Almost There

Yes, you read that right. 🎉🥳 Once you’re at this stage, you’re just a hop, skip, and jump away from owning your new home. Yes, waiting for the seller(s) response can be nerve-wracking, but don’t stress. I’ll keep you updated on any news, and we’ll be prepared for any counteroffers or additional negotiations. ✨🏡

So, are you excited? ❓Each step gets you closer to holding the keys to your new home. Your ideal home is waiting, and I can’t wait to help you find it. 🏡🎉💥