Buying a house is one of the most exciting times of your life. But that wonderful anticipatory feeling you get after you’ve found your dream home can quickly dissipate when you consider all the things that have to happen before the deal is finalized. It doesn’t have to be that way, though. Here are some proactive steps you and your agent can take to make sure your home purchase goes through.
Get Pre-Approved
Even though agents don’t necessarily require home shoppers to be pre-approved for a mortgage, it’s worth it to take the time to get pre-approved with a lender before you home shop. Remember that being pre-qualified isn’t the same as being pre-approved. Pre-qualified simply means that you have one or more of the requirements to hypothetically get a mortgage. Pre-approval is the next stage. This is when a credit report has been pulled, and a specific amount is being conditionally offered to you from a lender. Getting pre-approved is one of the most powerful steps you can take to make sure your home purchase doesn’t get sidelined for financial reasons.
Work With an Established Agent
There are no good shortcuts when it comes to buying a home. The process can be complex. If any step is missed, or documents aren’t filled out and filed correctly, the deal could be in jeopardy. You need to partner with an established agent to ensure that your home purchase goes through smoothly and seamlessly. Also, trust that your agent has your best interests in mind when they offer advice and make recommendations. The experience and expertise of an established real estate agent are your most valuable asset when buying a home.
Be Flexible
Unexpected hiccups can occur during the home buying and selling transaction. Remember that, just as you’re moving into a home, the owners are working had to pack and organize the move into their next home. It pays to be flexible with home sellers when unforeseen circumstances arise, such as moving up or putting off the closing date, having to leave some possessions behind, or not being able to complete certain repairs on time. The more reasonable you can be as a homebuyer, the more you help ensure that your home purchase will go through without a hitch.
Getting pre-approved, working with a qualified agent, and being willing to compromise with sellers can all help facilitate your home purchase. We’d love to give you a hand with finding and buying your dream home! Please give us a call today at 573-336-4100.