Preparing for Homebuying
In Four Easy Steps
Do Your Preliminary Research
Before you start interviewing real estate agents, have a good foundation of your preferences on the following:
1. Which cities are you considering for a purchase? Have a primary list and a secondary list.
2. Start getting familiar with the neighborhoods of the cities you are interested.
3. Look up properties in those cities through online search sites like Zillow and Realtor.com. Become familiar with the price points.
4. Decide what are your necessities and wants in a property.
​
​
​
​
Interview Real Estate Agents
It is very important that you work with the right real estate agent. Ensure your agent is knowledgeable, responsive, ethical and a great negotiator. Interview a couple of agents to determine who is a better fit for you.
Interview Loan Officers
You need a great loan officer by your side. Ensure your loan officer is knowledgeable and reliable. Interview a couple of loan offers to determine who is a better fit for you.
If you are going to use a loan for the home purchase, become familiar with the application process. Have a good idea of the associated costs so you can plan accordingly.
Have a Clear Idea of Your Timeline
Know when you would like to get pre-approved and start searching for homes. The more clarity you have, the better your real estate purchase experience will be.
Once all four steps are completed, contact your preferred real estate agent and loan officer to begin the process and get pre-approved.