Buying a home is one of the most important decisions a couple can make. It’s also one of the most complex, and there are many things to consider before taking the plunge. Here are some tips to help you get started.
This is a contributed post and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Meet The Harris Family.
1. Make sure you’re ready to commit
It’s essential to make sure you and your spouse are ready to take the next step in your relationship before buying a home together. If you’re not on the same page about starting a family or other important life decisions, it may not be the right time to buy a house.
Once you’ve decided that you’re both ready for this next step, you can start looking for your dream home.
2. Define your must-haves
The first step is to sit down and figure out what you both need in a home. This might include a certain number of bedrooms or bathrooms, a minimum square footage, or even something as specific as a pool or a granite countertop.
Once you’ve got your list, you’ll have a better idea of what you should look for when searching for a home.
3. Consider your budget
Next, you need to determine how much you can afford. This will depend on a variety of factors, including your combined income, debt obligations, and savings rate.
Whatever the case may be, it’s a good idea to get pre-approved for a loan so you have an accurate estimate of how much house you can afford. Work with a trusted mortgage lender to get pre-approved.
4. Hire a good real estate agent
When buying a home, it is crucial to hire a good real estate agent. A good agent will have plenty of experience and knowledge in the local market and help you find the perfect home at a fair price.
When hiring an agent, ask for referrals from friends or family members who have recently purchased a home or check out online reviews.
5. Check out multiple homes
Once you’ve started looking at homes, jumping on the first one that meets your needs can be tempting. However, it’s good to view multiple homes before making your decision. This will help you get an idea of the different neighborhoods in the area, and what types of homes are available.
Ask your real estate agent to show you a few homes at different price points so you can get an idea of what works best for your budget.
6. Get to know the neighborhood
In addition to the home itself, it’s important to consider the neighborhood where the house is located. This includes checking for access to public transportation, proximity to grocery stores and other amenities, and local crime rates. You should also look at the local schools if you have children.
The best way to get to know a neighborhood is by spending time there, so be sure to visit the area on different days and at different times before buying.
7. Get a home inspection
You should always get a professional home inspection before buying your new house. A home inspector will check the property for any structural or mechanical issues that could result in costly repairs. This is a good way to avoid any unpleasant surprises after buying the home. Try to be present during the inspection so you can ask questions and get an understanding of any problems that are found.
8. Have realistic expectations
Buying a home is a big decision, and it’s essential to have realistic expectations about the process. It can take time to find the perfect home, and you may have to compromise on some of your requirements.
Be patient and work with your real estate agent to find the best option. If you’re buying a fixer-upper, be prepared for the time and expense involved in renovating the home.
9. Make an offer
Once you’ve found a home you love, it’s time to make an offer. Work with your real estate agent to negotiate a price that strikes the right balance between what you want to pay and what you think the seller is willing to accept. Your agent will also help you negotiate any other terms of the sale, such as the closing date or appliances that will be included with the home.
10. Close on the house and move in
Once you’ve made an offer that has been accepted, you’re almost ready to move into your new home. As the closing date approaches, be sure to stay in close contact with your lender and real estate agent.
Also, prepare a list of all the items you will need to bring when moving into your new home, such as furniture, utility accounts, and other personal items.
Buying a home as newlyweds can be an exciting and intimidating process. Before you do anything, make sure that you are ready to take on the responsibilities of a homeowner. If the answer is yes, consider the tips mentioned to help you find and purchase the perfect home for your family.
