The Start of the Home Buying Process
Gret advice on starting the home buying process - daydreaming can be fun, especially when it comes to buying a home, but it is important not to get so caught up in your dreams you don't let reality in. There are certain hard, cold truths about whatever market you find yourself in and getting expertise advice on what is really happening with housing is critical.
The Start of the Home Buying Process
When it comes time to buy their first home, many buyers spend hours online pouring over listings and daydreaming about what life will be like in this or that home. Daydreaming is a good thing if it doesn't overtake reality. Just ask Walter Mitty. That was my favorite short story in school. And having just seen the film with Ben Stiller, I am an even bigger fan. Everyone daydreams.
Daydreaming about homes without knowing what you are qualified to buy, or what payment you are comfortable making, could be setting the expectations too high and make reality way less appealing.
Before you get sucked into online mortgage calculators and perfectly staged homes that you may or may not be able to afford, call a local lender. If you don't know one, call a real estate agent like myself. We have great lenders we can refer you too. Lenders that will give you the most you qualify for in sales price, and a target sales price based on your desired mortgage payment.
Then it's time to hit the ground running with a real estate agent. It's best if you can find one that is actively engaged in the marketplace and can tell you if a home is priced right, or is too high or low. It's all back to setting expectations.
Once you get under contract to purchase your home, we encourage daydreaming. Don't purchase anything large for your home like furniture, or a new car for the driveway, until you have signed the loan papers at settlement.
Need help buying or selling in Bristow or Gainesville, VA? Let's chat!
Chris Ann Cleland, Associate Broker-Licensed in VA, Long & Foster REALTORS®
703-402-0037, ChrisAnn@LNF.com
Chris Ann Cleland, Associate Broker- Licensed in Virginia, GRI, SFR, Northern Virginia Short Sale Specialist. Affiliated with Long & Foster, 7526 Limestone Drive, Gainesville, VA 20155. To contact Chris Ann, call 703-402-0037 or email chrisann@LNF.com. Or you can visit her website: www.nvarealestate.net.
Header photos taken by Chris Ann Cleland.
The opinions expressed in this post are those of Chris Ann Cleland, not those of Long & Foster REALTORS®.
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