Spring has always seemed the fresh time of year to me. It's a rebirth of sorts; a harbinger of the growth season ahead. As spring time foliage bursts forth and shows its vivid array of colors, we yearn to be outdoors.
Spring is also a time when people think about a fresh start. And what could be any fresher than a new home? If you're one in this season's legion of potential home buyers, you've probably already seen the "For Sale" signs popping up on lawns all over the area. Buying a new home can at once be exciting and arduous. Like any endeavor though, some advance preparation will reduce the stress and make your search a pleasurable one.
Here are a few things every prospective home buyer should do, before making that first "shopping excursion." Make a list of your priorities. What's important to you and your family? What is your ideal location? Is it proximity to job or school, availability of retail and entertainment venues, or nearness to an elderly relative? What type of floor plan is best suited to your needs? Does a disability rule out anything over a single floor home? What size home best meets your needs? Determine the number of bedrooms, bathrooms and common rooms you need now and perhaps in the foreseeable future. Is storage an issue? Do you want a home with a garage? How about a basement? Do you want a big yard or small? These are all important points to consider before beginning your search.
Once you've prioritized your needs and what you want most in your new home, it's time to find out your credit worthiness. Find out your credit score. Scores can range from 400-900 with 693 being the U.S. average, according to Experian's National Score Index. Determine the amount of down payment you can afford. What kind of mortgage payment will your finances permit? Getting your credit in good condition will help you get the home you want.
You've developed your plan and done your homework. Now it's time to locate a realtor. Finding a realtor may be as easy as consulting the phone book. Check local home buying publications. Ask a friend or associate for a referral. No matter how you find your realtor, be sure to find the one who is going to put your interest first and be there for you from start to finish and beyond.
It's time now for you to find your fresh beginning. It's time for you to find that new home of your dreams. Happy hunting!
Francis W. McGuire of McGuire Realty Company, Inc.
7-day Archive
