First Step in Home Buying Process

Do I buy? New house? Pre-loved home? Can I afford it? Do dreams really come true? Is my credit good enough? All these are questions to ask before stepping off into the process of buying a new home. The problem comes when we let our imagination and desires decide if we can buy a new home. Buying a new home requires being educated in the process and plenty of common sense thinking. This is where I come in to assist. A realtor's job is not only to show you houses, but to educate buyers and walk you through the process.

Contacting mortgage company or bank is the FIRST STEP in the home buying process. There are a couple of reasons why this step is so important. First, a mortgage company will gather information, run your credit, and get you pre-approved for a mortgage. Second, if you get pre-approval they will give you an amount that you qualify to receive. This amount is how much house you can afford. Usually it is given in a range, for example $100,000-$125,000. This range is invaluable. It will save time, money, and now a days gas.

Once you have your range, decide what exactly you need in a home. Note I said need! Make a list of your needs and then your desires. Needs are basic and different for each person. These needs include location, the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage, and yard size are some to name a few. Desires are extra rooms, sometimes garages, crown molding, updated fixtures, etc. Remember this is unique to everyone. Answering these few questions can help me, as your realtor, tremendously in finding your new home. All of these items can be researched through the MLS and with a few strokes on the keyboard, a variety of homes is listed and ready for you to view.

If your like me, my eyes are much bigger compared to my pocketbook, so getting pre-approval keeps our heads out of the clouds and our feet planted on solid ground. This is why pre-approval is so great. You know what you can afford and exactly what you can spend.

As a realtor, I can suggest many mortgage companies or banks for you to start the process. Please give me a call if you are planning on buying a home and/or need help answering any questions about the home buying process. I enjoy making this whole process smooth, easy, and FUN!!!

Don't forget to call! 334-333-1609

Michelle