10 Ways To Improve Your Chances of Buying a House Quicker

10 Ways To Improve Your Chances of Buying a House Quicker

 

1. What is the first thing you should do?

Start Saving money and cutting back slightly on frivilious expenses.

 

2. How to figure out where you want to live?

Get familiar with the neighborhoods and cities by driving around and researching on-line.

 

3. What kind of house do you want to buy?

Many choices like new construction, victorian, condos, 1 or 2 story, urban or suburban living.

 

4. Do you know what type of features you want?

Decide what features you must have in a home: pool, fireplace, wood floores, granite, remodeled kitchen or bathrooms, ground level bedroom, nice backyard.

 

5. Do  you know your credit score or how much you currently owe?

It is important to get your FICO score up to qualify for a loan and sometimes the higher your score, the lower your interest rate. Pay down your credit cards but do not pay off all at once as this can lower your FICO score.

 

6. How do I find out my credit score?

You can contact a lender or contact a real estate agent who can assist you in finding a local lender to run your credit and give you some advice if your credit is not where it needs to be.

 

7. How do I know what payment I can afford?

Your lender can tell you based on your monthly income, your current debt from rent, credit cards, school loans, etc.

8. Are their programs to help me get my down payment?

Yes, their are local city programs, state and federal programs to assist first time homebuyers with their down payment and closing costs. Your lender or real estate agent can help you to find these programs.

 

9. What are the hidden costs of home ownership?

Property taxes, Insurance, Repairs, Upgrades, Home Owner Association Fees, and Utility Bills.

 

10. How do I locate a good  and experienced Real Estate agent?

Do your research on line and make sure they are a Realtor who abides by the National Association of Realtors Code of Ethics. Ask a friend or family member for a recomendation  if they had a good experience. Find an agent that is local to your area and not 50 miles away. Number of sales are important but perhaps an agent who has sold 3-10 homes a year vs. someone who has sold 25+ as you might get more personal service and not a team member. Make sure they are not brand new but have some real estate experience in selling and buying homes. Talk with the agent and make sure they are a good fit before hiring them.

Thanks for Reading my Real Estate Blog.......

 

 

     Need a Great Realtor in San Bernardino & Riverside? Google me here...Kristin Hamilton 909.557.6966.

       Kristin Hamilton CDPE, SFR, CHS, BPOR, BA , GREEN
              Keller Williams Realty BRE-01492138