The Basics
Purchasing a property is most likely the biggest financial decision you will ever make. Whether this is your first purchase or you are an experienced buyer, this decision must be made carefully. Before you begin looking for a new home, you should determine the price range of the home you can afford. Generally, you can afford a home worth three times your annual income. However, your credit score, the amount of debt you have, and the down payment you’re willing to place, will influence whether you can afford more or less than this amount.
Why Do You Want To Buy?
Are you tired of paying rent? Have you decided to pay your own mortgage and not your landlord’s? Have you outgrown your current home? Are you looking for an investment portfolio? Are you looking for a rental property? Would you like a larger yard? Would you rather live in a different area? Do you want to shorten your commute? Having a clear sense of your reasons for buying will help you choose the right property.
Has Your Income Grown?
Property ownership is an excellent investment; whether you are looking for your dream home, a rental property, or to expand your investment portfolio. Owning real estate is one of the least risky ways to build equity or to obtain a greater return on your initial investment.
Strengthen Your Credit
Obtain a copy of your credit score, also known as your FICO score, which ranges from 300-850. The higher the FICO score, the better interest rate you’ll qualify for on your loan. Pay off outstanding credit debt and resolve any credit disputes if possible to increase your score.
Getting Pre-Approved for Your Loan
Apply to several lenders to see who will give you the best deal. The Jamil Brothers will be happy to help you with this process and recommends doing this within a 2-week period to avoid having the inquiries damage your credit report. Click here to read more about the Pre-Approval Process
House-Hunting
New Home Must-Haves
Create a list of the most important factors affecting your purchase: Is your commute to work or school your top priority? Do you prefer a new turn-key home, or are you open to purchasing an older home to renovate? What are your required amenities? Do you need a modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances? Is the amount of bedrooms and bathrooms your main concern? Narrow down your list of required amenities to stay realistic within your budget. Once you have your list, you can start searching for properties right here on this site!
Serious House-Hunting Tips
Look at properties with a critical but open mindset. Being too specific will prevent you from seeing the advantages of the property. Does the floor plan work for you? Can you see yourself and your family living there? Is the property in good condition or would you need to put money aside for updates? After visiting several houses, your list of required amenities might adapt to certain features you didn’t know you wanted. The more houses you visit, the more you’ll learn more about what you’re looking for.
Making an Offer
When you’ve decided on the house, be ready to prepare a written offer quickly. We will work with you to come up with an offer that will give you the best chance of being accepted against market values. Once you sign an offer, you are officially in escrow and are committed to buy the house or lose your deposit, unless you do not get final mortgage approval.
After making the offer, have the house professionally inspected. If the inspection turns up with issues not included in the disclosure, The Jamil Brothers can negotiate with the seller to either lower the price or have it fixed before the sale.
Closing
This will take place in an escrow office where you will sign all of the necessary paperwork. You will receive the deed and title of the house, proving you as the owner and showing that no one else has any claim on it, respectively. Review the terms and conditions of the loan statement carefully before signing.
Congratulations and enjoy your new home!