HOW TO

Prepare to Buy a Home 

Talk to mortgage brokers.
Many home buyers don’t take the time to get prequalified. They also often don’t take the time to shop around to find the best mortgage for their particular situation. It’s important to ask plenty of questions and make sure you understand the home loan process completely.  We have a vetted list of local recommended professionals we can send your way to get you started. They know our market, our process, and how to get clients best deals possible to suite their specific needs. Whether you are military relocating here, a first time home buyer, or an experienced buyer trading up or down, our contacts have the solutions you need to get the job done. In our competitive home buying environment, this is the best and first place to start to help you gauge your current situation and budget, and be ready to execute an offer if and when you find the perfect property. If you are a serious buyer, this is fuel for your engine, and is your vital first step in the home buying process.

Be ready to move.
This is especially true in markets with a low inventory of homes for sale. It’s very common for home buyers to miss out on the first home they wish to purchase because they don’t act quickly enough. By the time they’ve made their decision, they may find that someone else has already purchased the house. 

Find a trusted partner.
It’s absolutely vital that you find a real estate professional who understands your goals and who is ready and able to guide you through the home buying process. There are many things to look out for in our local market and areas, at Maven we have the experience and know-how to make sure you avoid costly mistakes when going about your property purchase. It pays to select an experienced professional who has your best interest in mind and who will give you honest feedback about potential issues in properties. At Maven we are always thinking resell for our clients and how to help them avoid major miscues.

Make a good offer.
Remember that your offer is very unlikely to be the only one on the table. Do what you can to ensure it’s appealing to a seller. 

Factor maintenance and repair costs into your buying budget.
Even brand-new homes will require some work. Don’t leave yourself short and let your home deteriorate.

Think ahead.
It’s easy to get wrapped up in your present needs, but you should also think about reselling the home before you buy. The average first-time buyer expects to stay in a home for around 10 years, according to the National Association of REALTORS®’ Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers.

Develop your home/neighborhood wish list.
Prioritize these items from most important to least.

Select where you want to live. Compile a list of three or four neighborhoods you’d like to live in, taking into account nearby schools, recreational facilities, area expansion plans, and safety