Congratulations! You’ve decided to buy a new home. Whether this is your first home or you’re a seasoned pro, these tips below will help you make the home buying process easier. 1. Find out how much house you can afford. Talk with a mortgage professional to determine how much home you can comfortably afford.

2. Hire a great Realtor.

Having a qualified professional on your side in a real estate purchase is invaluable. A good realtor has experience and knowledge in all phases of the real estate transaction. Choose a realtor who specializes in the area of town you’d like
to live in. He/she will have the best market knowledge.

In today’s fast moving market, you also want a realtor who is up to date using the latest technologies.

3. Take time to know what you’re looking for.

There are a lot of home possibilities out there, so narrowing down your search will help ensure that you see the homes best suited for you.

Determine the area of town you’d like to live in. Factors you should consider are commuting distance to work, schools and neighborhoods.

List the features you would like in your new home. Identify those that are the most important and be sure to share this information with your realtor.

4. Scheduling visits to prospective homes.

Your realtor will coordinate with you and seller’s agents regarding convenient times to see available homes. Be sure you are on time for meeting your realtor as most showings are set with an appointment time.

Go prepared to make notes about each property keeping in mind your list of desired features you made earlier in the process. Don’t spend time in homes that do not meet your needs.

Look at the home with an objective view. You are there to see if the room sizes, floor plan, location, etc. work for you and not to tour their collection of family photographs and memorabilia.

5. You’ve found a great home.

When it’s time to make an offer, your realtor will help you in analyzing the market to determine a fair offer price.
Once the offer is accepted, you will want to schedule inspections of the home. Plan to be present at the time of the inspections. This gives you an additional opportunity to spend time in the home as well as talk with the inspectors about their findings.

Keep abreast of contract deadlines. Follow up with your lender to make sure the loan approval process will be complete in time for closing.

Make sure you have an estimate of closing costs and ask for explanations of any items you are not familiar with.

Schedule a mover in advance of the closing. Many moving companies find their schedules particularly busy at certain times of the month.

After closing, be sure to forward mail from your old address and give family, friends, and those you do business with your new address.