Buying a house can be a great experience. On the other hand, it can also be a nightmare many people would just as soon forget. Through the years that I've been involved in Real Estate, I've met several individuals and couples who have phoned and later met with me that truly did not know, "How to Buy a House". In fact, many people think it's simply about touring houses first and then doing whatever else is necessary to make the purchase happen. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Please note, if there is anything at all about Real Estate that you MUST understand, it is that your steps to take in buying a house must be in order before you begin touring properties.
Here are several steps to follow that will aid in making your purchase something pleasant to go through and always fondly remember.
1. Know your Credit Score - Click here to discover how
Find a lender and get your Pre-Approval - Here is an interesting article worth reading on this subject.
2. Find a Realtor you can identify with - You will need guidance in this process. You will need someone you can trust to prepare paper work, show you houses, supply phone numbers of trusted vendors and work with all contingencies.
3. Use the internet for your Home Listing Search. Look for houses ONLY in your price range. Remember, you are now Pre-Approved so stay under the amount you are approved for.
4. Drive by some of the houses you like without your Realtor so as to "fine tune" your search. Perhaps you should park your car and walk the neighborhood.
5. Ask your Realtor to show you some homes - perhaps a tour of six or seven. If you believe one might be what you are looking for, you can ask for a second or, even a third walk thru.
6. Have your Realtor aid you in making the offer.
7. Stay on schedule with all of your contingencies. Write the dates down so you won't forget.
8. Expect there to be some bumps and allow your Realtor to absorb them. Real Estate transactions are seldom "smooth sailing". There is almost always a surprise or two. Real Estate Agents are accustomed to this so let us help you do the work and to even take the blows for you.
9. Don't be nervous on the day of your closing. Instead, learn from it and allow it to be an experience to personally grow from.
10. Immediately have your house re-keyed before move in. I don't care how nice the sellers were, you do not know who might have keys to the house. When purchasing a new house, this is often done for you automatically. I would insist on it!
11. Move in and begin making your new house your new HOME.
David L. Burrows, Realtor®
Envirian of Warrenton
Warrenton, Virginia 20186
Phone: 703.859.5188
Burrows Properties
A Burrows' Thought worth considering: Buying a house involves commitment to the task before you. My definition of commitment is translated inconvenience. Expect the unexpected after you have a contract. Something always develops that you didn't expect to happen. When it does, remain calm and absolutely resolved to see everything through to the end. By the way, this is when you lean on your Realtor.
Interested in Some Great Reading on selling your home? Take a look at these articles on my website: Selling Your Home: Where do you begin? I also urge you to utilize my FREE SELLERS TOOLKIT before selling your house.
Buyer Guidance: Get my FREE BUYERS TOOLKIT before heading out on the journey to find your new house.
Try These Links To Help You Find Your Next Home:
Virginia Home Finder
HUD Homes In Virginia
Fairfax Homes For Sale
Fairfax MLS
Links To Help You Find Your Way Around In Northern Virginia:
Northern Virginia Information
This blog may contain links to other Web sites operated by third parties. These links are provided as a convenience to access the information contained therein. David Burrows and Envirian of Warrenton have not reviewed all of the information on other sites and disclaim any responsibility for the content of any other sites or the products or services that may be offered on or through those sites. Inclusion of a link to another site does not indicate any endorsement or approval of the site or its content.
David Burrows and Envirian of Warrenton disclaim liability for any damages or losses, direct or indirect, that may result from use of or reliance on information contained in this blog.
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