How to Buy a House

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Buying a house is a huge life event and even a societal rite of passage. When you look for a home to buy, you might also be seeking a space for all your dreams and aspirations. Below is some advice on how to buy a house smoothly and with minimal mishandling.

Credit rating

Your credit score is an amalgamation of three different credit ratings. Factors that affect it include timely credit payments, the total debt available to you, your credit percentage utilization, the length of your credit history, the addition of new credit accounts, and the types of credit available to you. 

To improve your credit score, take time during your month to budget and plan financially. This way, you’ll follow positive and proper financial behavior throughout the year and improve your credit rating. 

You should also dispute errors in your credit report before contacting realtors or lenders. Before allowing lenders to evaluate your credit score and other financial qualifications, review your credit report thoroughly in your own time.

Your realtor

Find a real estate agent whom you can trust to handle buying a home for you without your influence. A realtor with valid credentials, a positive reputation, and a good vibe will have the best chance of finding what you’re looking for with your added influence. 

When speaking with potential realtors, discuss their rates, their approach to finding homes and closing deals, and their real estate areas of specialty. Allowing the realtor you choose to work with the opportunity to teach you about the task you’re taking on together can help you strengthen the bond necessary for good business.

Viewing

Though viewings and tours can go on until you’re completely satisfied, planning to buy a house takes, on average, six months. Most realtors will advise that you look on your own, or look with them as your partner, for at least four months before choosing a home to pursue purchasing. During the sometimes extensive viewing process, you’ll have your credit score evaluated so that your financier can provide you with different financing options.

Financing

Be realistic about what you can afford based on your income and spending habits. Your credit score will likely reflect your financial fortitude and your debt situation. Home affordability calculators online can help you calculate the priced home you can sustainably, safely purchase. Based on your credit rating, lenders will evaluate you for loan options and work with you and your realtor to close the deal.

If pre-approved by a lender, you’ll receive a letter stating your pre-approval. A pre-approval letter officiates the amount you can borrow from a lender and can show sellers you’re serious about buying when submitting an offer. In a competitive market, you should apply with different lenders to see different offers and make yourself look good in contrast to other buyers through good, consistent financial practice.

Closing

Closing the deal can happen in as few as three weeks but may take up to two months. Schedule an inspection to make sure the property is truly in good enough condition to be purchased. Make your offer, and settle on your loan interest percentage accumulation and how long you’ll be paying it off. Have the property appraised by the lender and appraiser, and then, you should be ready to close on your new home after buying your homeowners’ insurance plan!

How are you preparing for your experience buying your first home? Sound off in the comments!