
If you’re considering trading your rent check for a mortgage payment, it’s never too soon to start preparing. Even if you won’t be ready to buy a home for six months or even a year, there are a few steps you can take now to make the process easier.
And even if you’ve purchased a home in the past, some of these tips may be great reminders if you’re looking to sell your current home and buy a new one.
Check your credit and credit score
Start saving now
You’ll need cash for a down payment, realtor fees, closing fees, home inspections and other expenses. Open a savings account and begin putting away as much money as you can.
Consult a lender
Decide how much you want to spend
Find a real estate agent
If you don’t personally know a real estate agent, ask family and friends for recommendations. It’s important to feel comfortable with and trust the person you’ll work closely with to buy your home, so meet a few agents before deciding who you’d like to work with.
Research neighborhoods and visit open houses
Research homeowners insurance
For most people, their home is the most expensive purchase they will ever make. It can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Go into the process confident, check your credit and credit score, start saving now, talk to a lender, develop a plan, do research on what you want and can afford, and get the homeowners insurance you need. Good luck on finding the place you get to call “home sweet home.”
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