Purchasing a home can be one of your most significant investments in life.  Not only are you deciding on your dwelling place, the community in which you will be raising your family, you are also investing a big portion of your financial assets into this venture.  Doing some research and planning before you begin your search will make the entire home buying process less stressful and more manageable.

Where to begin in Preparing for Homeownership

1.         Decide how much home you can afford to buy.  Generally, you can afford a home equal in value to between two and three times your annual gross income.           

2          Develop a list of what you would like your home to have and prioritize the features in their importance.  In other words, what you must have and what you can live without.  Print out my form for a checklist of your needs and wants.

3.         Select neighborhoods you would like to live in.  Do you need to find a house that is near your job, public services, or day-care facilities, or are you able to travel some distance to and from work in order to live in the a house with a larger yard.  Are the neighborhood schools a major factor in your home-buying decision?  Is the nearness to shopping, recreational activities or public transportation important?  Remember factors such as good schools, low crime rates, and convenience to transportation or amenities have an impact on the value of residential properties.

4          Get your credit in order and obtain a copy of your credit report to check for errors or things that need to be addressed before you apply for a loan.

5.         Determine how large a mortgage you can qualify for.  Explore different loan options and decide what is best for you.  Your agent can help you with this.  Check out the Finance section of my site for more information on home loans. 

6.         Get your documents in order that you will need to submit to the lender.

7.         Most important, find an agent you can trust and feel comfortable working with to help you find the right home.  Your agent can guide you through the process and help you avoid costly mistakes and avoid delays.

The reports listed below are designed to aid you in your research and make your upcoming home purchase a very exciting and positive experience. I also have a FREE Newsletter for you.  Just click on the button below and I'll be happy to send you free tips that include information on Buying vs Renting, Tax Advantages of Homeownership and so much more.  

If you need additional guidance, please contact me at megan@davidsoncountyhomefinder.com or if you prefer to touch base by phone my cell number is 336-239-5137.