With so many steps involved, answering the question of how to start buying a house can seem daunting. However, there are some basic steps you can take to make the process more manageable before you get to the home inspection and final purchase of your home.
Here are some of the basic things you need to do to start buying a house:
Getting a preapproval letter from a mortgage lender benefits you in several ways. It helps you determine how much you can afford to spend on your new house, and also shows sellers you’re a qualified and motivated buyer.
Real estate agents are equipped with knowledge and resources to help you navigate every part of the real estate process. Most importantly, they can use their expertise to find listings that match your criteria for a perfect home.
Utilize the skills and resources provided by your real estate agent to find your dream home. Start with a list of priorities like must-have features, location and purchase price.
Once you’ve found the right house, your real estate agent can help you with any necessary negotiations and make the best offer based on purchase price, home inspection results, appraisal and home features.
While this is a simplified version of the home-buying process, it can be helpful to think about it in these basic steps.
Kimberly Kelly decided to get her real estate license when she moved to South Orange with her family and fell in love with the classic, period homes of the area. Having worked in the city for many years for LexisNexis, Kim understands the appeal of an easy commute to NYC. That’s why she specializes in towns along the Mid-Town Direct train line, offering welcoming communities, good schools, and space to grow.
Very active in her children’s school PTA, Kim knows firsthand how important a school system is to parents looking to make the move to the ‘burbs. She volunteers with fairs, fundraising, and other activities that bolster support for education. Kim also believes involvement in the greater community enriches us all and has sat on various boards & associations throughout the years.
Kim Kelly has lived many places throughout her life, from Pennsylvania to Oregon, but has found New Jersey to be the ideal place to raise her family and put down roots. She loves nothing more than helping others discover their special place as well. Kim’s extensive knowledge of the area, combined with her sense of community, offers clients a personalized guide to finding the right house - and town - to call home.
