Hello everyone, I’m Lauren Miller-Nelson with the Nelson Home Group Kearney Strong at Keller Williams Kansas City North. Today I’ll be discussing the exciting world of home buying. Buying a home is a significant investment, and being well-prepared and informed is key to a successful purchase. Let’s explore some essential tips to help you navigate the process.
First and foremost, let’s talk about your budget. It’s crucial to establish a realistic budget before you begin your home search. Consider factors such as your current income, future income potential, existing debt, down payment amount, closing costs, and ongoing expenses. Getting pre-approved for a mortgage can help you understand your purchasing power and streamline the buying process. We have many reliable lenders that we can connect you with that will look at your unique circumstances and work with you to find the right program for you.
Next, let’s discuss your needs and wants in a home. It’s essential to decide what is actually a must have, and what are nice to haves in a home. Think about your lifestyle, location preferences, desired size including square footage, number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and garage spaces, and neighborhood amenities. Prioritize your criteria based on what’s most important to you and your family. Often buyers will look at homes in certain areas, zip codes, school districts, or within a certain driving distance to work or other important locations in their life.
Now, let’s talk about the value of working with a realtor. A knowledgeable and experienced realtor can provide invaluable guidance and support throughout the entire home buying process. We have access to market data, can help you navigate negotiations, and provide support from start to finish. Choosing the right realtor is crucial, so be sure to find someone you trust and feel comfortable with.
There are often two first steps that need to be done when you are considering buying a home and often they happen simultaneously. You will want to find a trusted local real estate agent that is knowledgeable and offers a free home buyer’s consultation where you will sit down, meet each other, go over all your needs and wants in a home, get a detailed explanation of the home buying process and all the costs involved, and begin your MLS auto search so that you can begin looking at homes. At this same time or shortly thereafter you will want to talk to a recommended lender and get pre-approved, as well. Once you have your real estate professional hired and a great lender you are off to the races and the home search can begin!
And there you have it – some essential home buying tips to help you on your journey. Remember, being well-prepared, educated, and informed is key to a successful purchase. If you’re in the market for a new home and need guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out at 816.804.8587. We would love to put together a detailed home buyer experience just for you and set up a home buyer consultation to learn how we can best help you.
