Buying a home is exciting but can also seem overwhelming. I've been a real estate professional for over 15 years and here are some tips I've learned along the way:
1) Get Pre-Approved. It's never good to fall in love with a home and then find out there's something goofy on your credit report and you won't be able to get financing. Your bank/credit union/financial institution will help walk you through any credit problems and will help you know how much you can comfortably afford. Once you know this, your Realtor can help you find a house you'll love for a price you can afford.
2) Check out the Neighborhood. I love it when people come to me and give me an idea of what neighborhoods they prefer and which they would like to avoid. For parents, this means knowing what schools are close by. It's also a great idea to check the Sex Offender Registry. If you don't like driving very much, you'll want to consider a neighborhood within walking distance of the bus or close to grocery shopping and other activities important to you.
3) Consider monthly costs. Know what you are currently paying each month for utilities, garbage, etc... and keep that amount in mind when looking for a new home. If you are increasing your square footage, chances are you'll be increasing utilities each month. You don't want to cut yourself short. Knowing what you can comfortably afford for utilities and other monthly costs will help your Realtor find a home that is just the right size for your family.
4) Put on your rose colored glasses. When you look at a space, you sometimes have to use your imagination to envision it after the sellers have moved out. The shag carpet and paneling may remind you of grandma Helen's basement, but don't judge a book by it's cover. Those things can be removed or upgraded for a reasonable amount and suddenly grandma Helen's basement is transformed into your very own trendy art-deco oasis.
5) Know your outdoor limitations. A large yard sounds fabulous, doesn't it? A long private driveway looks lovely in July, right? Let's be realistic. If you're working and traveling and don't love yard work, you'll want to find a manageable size yard or factor in the cost for a service to come do the work for you. Same thing with the driveway, you'll definitely need more than a shovel to tackle that quarter mile gravel driveway.
Your Realtor will be better able to help find you the right home if he or she knows what you are looking for. The more you've considered ahead of time the better prepared you'll be to answer questions that will help you and your Realtor become a team. Before you'll know it, you'll be unpacking boxes in the house of your dreams!/
Lisa VanLanen has been a WI certified Realtor since 2001 and has been using her expertise to help sellers sell and buyers buy. Lisa networks with lenders to help both buyers and sellers and she goes the extra mile to make the process as smooth as possible. Past clients have referred friends and family to Lisa knowing they are in good hands. Lisa's proven track record speaks for itself. Call her today to see what she can do for you. 920-901-8004
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