Couple looking at house for sale

Do you ever wonder if homeownership is right for you?  Well, let me ask you this;  do you dream about doing your own yard work, home repairs, puttering around in the garage.  If so, then homeownership may be for you.  No one really dreams about paying a monthly mortgage, property taxes, insurance etc.  But actually being a homeowner definitely makes those things very well worth it. 

This is your opportunity to have the American Dream of owning your own home.  Putting down roots and starting a family or expanding your current family.  However, the home buying process can seem a bit overwhelming, especially if you have never bought a home before.  

Here is a step by step guide to help you in your home buying journey.

1.  Talk to an experienced realtor who will help you learn what you need to know about the home buying process.  You may need to interview several realtors before deciding on the best one for you

2.  Decide if you want to keep renting or if you are ready to buy

3.  Check your credit and begin improving your credit score

4.  Make a budget and determine exactly how much you can afford to spend on your new home.  Don't forget that there will be closing costs and other associated fees in addition to the purchase price of your new home

5.  Study the different types of mortgages and how they work and then decide which one is right for you

6.  Think about where you want to live.  What location is best for you and your family

7.  Do you want to buy a conventional home, a foreclosure, a fixer-upper etc.

8.  You will also need to decide on a mortgage company, home inspector and possibly a real estate attorney or a financial advisor depending on your situation

9.  Research the area you have decided to buy a home.  Drive through the neighborhood at varying hours, check the current prices of the available homes and notate their condition.

10.  Check the crime statistics for that neighborhood

11.  Does the neighborhood have the conveniences you are going to need, such as child care, your bank, your favorite grocery stores and restaurants etc.

12.  How far is your chosen area from where you work now and where you may potentially be working in the future?

13.  Talk to your chosen realtor about supplying you with some home listings that meet your specified criteria

14.  Once you have looked through the home listings, let your realtor know which ones you would like to look at

15.  After you have chosen a house, your realtor will help you submit an offer

16.  Be prepared to negotiate the deal

17.  After your offer has been approved, you will need to set up a home inspection

18.  You will now need to get your mortgage loan approved

19.  Set a closing date and then close on your new home

20.  Now all you have to do is get moved and enjoy the home of your dreams

This seems like alot to go through and it is; but all you have to do is call your realtor and let them do the rest.  Your realtor will walk you through each and every step  of the home buying process and let you know exactly what to do and when.  So don't sweat the details and stay in close communication with your realtor and they will make sure things go as smoothly as possible every step of the way!

================================================

Original Article Source www.agentsuccessclub.com

For personal use of AgentSuccessClub members only.

Any other use is prohibited.

Peggy

Peggy S. Harmeyer

RE/MAX Real Estate Group

932 Shadyview Blvd.

Pleasant Hill, Ia 50327

Licensed in the State of Iowa

515-208-8132

Peggy@PeggyHarmeyer.com

An Independently Owned and Operated Member RE/MAX Real Estate Group

Information is believed to be accurate but should not be relied on without verification.

 


Important Questions To Ask Your Home Inspector
04/25/2013
share
You know when you are buying a home, that you will need a home inspection. But when it comes time to read the inspection report you feel like you need a translator! Here are a few important questions you should definitely ask your home… more
Don’t Lose The Sale
04/20/2013
share
You are ready to move and have found the perfect home for you and your family. The only thing left to do is to sell your current home. Sounds simple right? Well, it can be, but there are several things that you may be doing that are making… more
Spring Home Maintenance Items That Must Be Performed
04/10/2013
share
It's that time of year again. Spring has sprung and there are chores do be done. Routine maintenance is a big part of home ownership and hopefully you have a yearly calendar of routine tasks and when they need to be performed. Deferred… more
You Have Termites Now What?
03/27/2013
share
What are termites - termites are small, burrowing insects that eat wood especially damp wood, and they resemble small white ants. How do I know if I have termites - there are some indicators that let you know you may have a termite… more
How To Restore Your Credit Score Quickly
03/11/2013
share
Buying a home is the American dream and you have decided that it is time to start looking into buying a home of your own. That's great! However, you probably know that there are things you should be doing before you begin your search - but… more
Home Improvement Projects You Can Do For Under $1000
02/23/2013
share
Most people consider buying a home the best decision they ever made. So why not spend a little to make your best investment a little more comfortable for you. What would you say if I told you you could do that for under $1000? Well, you… more
The Most Common Mortgage Scams
02/16/2013
share
Unfortunately, mortgage scams are very common. So exactly what can you do to protect yourself from one of these scams. The first step in protecting yourself is education. Learn the types of scams that are out there and how to recognize them… more
Tricks Of The Trade From Professional Home Stagers
01/30/2013
share
When you are trying to sell your home, staging can be an invaluable tool. That is - if it is done right. An investment for a few hundred dollars or even a few thousand dollars can bring you huge returns. So that is reason enough to make that… more
Do You Know Why Your House Is Not Selling
01/16/2013
share
If your house has been on the market for any length of time and is not selling, you are probably wondering what you have done wrong. What's wrong with your house. Why is it not selling. Don't worry, this happens sometimes but with the help… more
 
Peggy%20best%201 Rainmaker_large

Peggy S. Harmeyer - Licensed in the State of Iowa

Altoona, IA

More about me…

RE/MAX Real EstateGroup.com

Address: 932 Shadyview Blvd, Pleasant Hill, Ia, 50327

Office Phone: (515) 957-1313

Cell Phone: (515) 208-8132

Email Me

Real Estate In Des Moines Iowa and surrounding areas including but, not limited to: Altoona, Ankeny, Bondurant, Pleasant Hill, Mitchellville, Prairie City, Colfax, Carlise, Urbandale, Clive, Johnston.


Listings

Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog

Find IA real estate agents and Altoona real estate on ActiveRain.