If you’re getting ready to start looking at homes, you want to make sure that you follow a particular order of doing things. Not doing things in the proper order can mean that you miss out on the home of your dreams. Here is what you should do before you start looking at homes.
Find a Lender
The first thing you want to do is look at different lenders in your area. It’s helpful to look at a few different companies to make sure you get the best loan and interest rate possible. If you have a specific loan in mind, don’t be afraid to ask if a company offers it. Not all lenders offer the same loans, so it’s in your best interest to shop around until you find the best fit.
After you choose a lender, you’ll submit your financial documents and will receive a prequalification for a loan amount. You’ll be given a max amount that you will be approved for on your mortgage, and it gives you a starting point in the homebuying process.
Choose a Realtor
Once you have your prequalification letter, you’ll want to find a realtor to help you find a home. Make sure you interview realtors before you sign on with one. You want to find a realtor Loganville GA that you get along with and has an acceptable amount of experience. If they rub you the wrong way, don’t be afraid to keep looking. You’re going to be working closely with them for as long as it takes you to find a home, and you don’t want it to be a miserable process.
Create a Budget
Before you look at homes, you’ll want to decide how much you want to spend. Just because you’ve been approved for a certain amount doesn’t mean you should buy a home that costs that much. You want to leave extra money for emergencies and repairs, and you want to avoid spending all of your extra income on your housing costs.