Purchasing a property is one of the biggest financial decisions you will ever make. Whether this is your first purchase, or you are an experienced buyer, this decision must be made carefully.

What Is The Reason For Buying?

Have you decided to pay for your own home and not your landlord’s? Have you outgrown your current home? Looking for that dream ranch? Would you like to move to the country? Are you looking for an investment portfolio? Having a clear sense of your reasons for buying will help you choose the right property.

• Financial statements
• Bank accounts
• Investments
• Credit cards
• Auto loans
• Recent pay stubs
• Tax returns for two years
• Copies of leases for investment properties
• 401K statements, life insurance, stocks, bonds, and mutual account information.

Know Your Credit Rating.

Your credit score impacts what type of property you can buy, and at what price. The lender will research your credit ratings from the three credit reporting agencies Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union. We will be happy to recommend experienced, knowledgeable lenders in the residential, construction, and commercial and investment real estate fields.

Guard Your Finances.

Now is not a good time to make career changes or large purchases. This could limit or cause you to lose your loan.

Here are some factors to consider when choosing your real estate professional:

• Look for a full-time agent – one who has experience completing numerous transactions similar to yours.
• Interview a few agents: What is their experience?
• Ask how much time the agent will have for you, and if they will be available at night and on weekends.
• Ask about their experience and knowledge of the entire buying process. A good agent will have many years of experience with lending, title work, closing deals, and writing contracts.
• Does the agent return your calls promptly? Time is money when attempting to buy a property.
• Ask for a list of properties they have sold, or a list of references.
• Choose an agent who listens attentively to your needs and concerns. Pick an agent with whom you feel comfortable and trust.

Ready To Shop!

Once those preparations are out of the way, it is time to find the right property for you.

Take a Drive.

Get to know the neighborhoods, subdivisions, or areas of the county that interest you. Do you want to live in town, at the lake, or in the country? Drive around and get a feel for what it would be like to own a property in the area. Start getting a sense of the properties available in those areas.

Narrow Your Search.

Select a few properties that interest you the most and have your real estate agent make appointments to visit them. Make sure to ask your real estate agent questions about anything that concerns you.

Time to Buy.

Once you have picked out the property you want to purchase, your real estate agent can help you make an offer that the seller will accept. A good agent will investigate the potential costs and expenses associated with the new property. An agent can also help you draft your offer in a way that gives you the advantage over another offer.