Getting Organized

Getting Organized

Assemble all of your information and develop a good idea of what
you want before you begin shopping.

Your house hunting will be more efficient and less stressful if you
take the time to organize yourself. Make sure you know what you
can afford, where you want to live, and what features you want in
your new home.

Where Do You Want to Live?

Think about the communities in your area and decide which ones you
like and why. Consider schools, recreational facilities, and access to
work and shopping. Write down the various features you like and
dislike about each community; then review the list to decide which
areas are right for you. It's important to know where you want to
live from the start - otherwise it's too easy to get excited over a
great house in the wrong location. Don't forget to consider price
range when narrowing down your choice of locations - you'll want to
spend your time looking where you'll have a good chance of finding
something appropriate.

Make a Features List

List the features you want in your new home, including rooms, room
dimensions, lot size, architectural style, access to schools,
recreation, etc. Use this wish list when viewing homes to help
evaluate each property.

Determine Your Financing Options
Finding the right mortgage is almost as important as finding the right
house. There are many financing options available in today's
marketplace, so it pays to take the time to find the right type of
loan. Many lenders offer pre-approval programs that allow you to
secure a loan before you even find your home - giving you a real
advantage when negotiating with sellers.

Prequalify for Your Loan

Many lenders allow you to apply for a mortgage before you even find
a home. Once prequalified, the only major requirement for your loan
is a satisfactory appraisal of the property to be purchased (once
you find it). Prequalifying can not only give you peace of mind while
shopping; it can really give you an advantage in a tight market -
where a seller may preference a buyer who has funding secured.