Springtime is traditionally a busy season for real estate. As the weather warms up, more folks head out to shop for homes in Columbia County. To make your journey less stressful and more pleasurable, I have put together a few essential tips for the 2014 buyer.
1. Know Your Numbers
The first step is to find out exactly what you can afford. A useful tool for this is mortgagecalculator.org, where you can predetermine your potential monthly payments and see how different loan amounts fit your budget.
2. Check Your Credit Health
Your credit score is a major factor in the interest rate you'll receive. Remember, you are entitled to a free credit report once a year from the three major reporting companies: Transunion, Equifax, and Experian. Reviewing this early ensures there are no surprises when you apply for a loan.
3. The Power of Pre-Approval
I highly recommend contacting a local bank or a local mortgage broker to get yourself pre-approved. Armed with a pre-approval letter, you suddenly become a very attractive buyer to any seller. Sellers are generally more motivated to negotiate when they know they are dealing with a qualified, "real" buyer—whether you are looking for your first home or a second home getaway.
4. Start Your Search the Right Way
When you’re ready to begin browsing, Realtor.com is an excellent resource. Because it takes data directly from local multiple listing services (MLS), you can see all available properties in your area of interest with confidence that the information is accurate.
5. Hire Local Expertise
Finally, hire a local agent in your area of interest to represent you as a Buyer’s Agent. Having a professional on your side to navigate negotiations and paperwork is invaluable.
Good luck and happy house hunting!
