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Your Checklist Before You Buy Your Next Home

Your Checklist Before You Buy Your Next Home

 

The time has come and you are ready to buy, but before you start searching for your next home review this checklist. This list helps you prepare your budget in advance and guide you to financial success in the future.

1. Reduce Debt & Increase Credit Score: Before you start looking for your next home you should request a credit report. This will give you a starting point on understanding your credit score before you request a loan. Your credit score will influence the interest rate of your loan.

2. Save Money to Set Yourself Up with a Large Down Payment: While it is possible to purchase a home without a 20% down payment it’s best to get as close as possible. This will allow you to have a smaller mortgage rate, Avoid PMI, and receive a better rate. If you do not have a 20% down payment you may qualify for a VA or FHA loan.


3. Keep a Conservative Budget: It’s just not the list price that is included in the purchase. Keep in mind there are inspection fees, earnest fees, moving expenses, and typically new furniture purchases that you should prepare for in advance. Along with the initial moving expenses you should also be aware of your monthly budget moving forward. With homeownership comes property taxes, HOAs, home repairs, and more. You want to make sure you are prepared for future budgeting as well.

4. Get Preapproved: Your preapproval can help if you are putting in an offer against someone who is not...makes you look like a more ready now buyer. Your preapproval is based on your actual income, debt, and credit history. This is different from prequalification, which is how a lender determines how much you can afford.

5. Set Your Home Buying Budget: By getting your finances in line before your first home showing you know the price range of a home that you can actually afford. It is important to set a realistic budget that fits your income level and characteristics you want in a home.

6. Find an Agent You Trust: An agent will be able to guide you along the way and educate you n the home buying process. Also, keep in mind an agent usually is very well connected to the other professional you will need before closing day.

As you begin the process to find your next home checking these items off your list will provide you with a more successful home buying experience. Our team is here to help you! Let us know the area and/or neighborhood you are looking to live along with your top needs our team of professionals will assist with finding your next home.

 
The Tim Elder Team
Tim Elder
800 Regent Park Court
Greenville, SC 29607
864-616-2147
*Each office independently owned and operated

Data Source: The Greenville MLS of SC, Inc. Information is provided exclusively for consumers’ personal use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Data is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed accurate by the MLS.
This information is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. Neither, the Western Upstate Association of REALTORS®, Inc. or Western Upstate Multiple Listing Service of South Carolina, Inc., nor the listing broker, nor their agents or subagents are responsible for the accuracy of the information. The buyer is responsible for verifying all information. This information is provided by the Western Upstate Association of REALTORS®, Inc. and Western Upstate Multiple Listing Service of South Carolina, Inc. for use by its members and is not intended for the use for any other purpose. The data relating to real estate for sale on this Web site comes in part from the Broker Reciprocity Program of the Western Upstate Association of REALTORS®, Inc. and the Western Upstate Multiple Listing Service, Inc.
The data relating to real estate for sale on this web site comes in part from the Internet Data Exchange (IDX) program of the Spartanburg Association of REALTORS®. IDX information provided exclusively for consumers' personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Information is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.
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