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Ready to buy your dream home? Follow these tips for a smooth homebuying process!

From saving up for a down payment to researching neighborhoods, these tips will help you prepare to become a homeowner.

1. Build and Maintain Your Credit Score

Your credit score is one of the main things lenders look at when deciding if they should lend to you. So try to get any debt you have paid down and make sure you make all of your payments on time.

2. Save for a Down Payment

To keep your monthly mortgage payment low, you’ll need a down payment for the house you purchase. 

3. Get Pre-Approved for a Home Loan

Getting pre-approved not only looks good to home sellers, it also lets you know how much home you can afford.

4. Decide on Your Wants, Needs, and Deal Breakers

This will save you from wasting time on homes that just won’t work for you.

5. Find a Good Real Estate Agent Who Aligns with Your Values

To make the process the best it can be, it’s essential you have an agent who is always available for questions, constantly on the lookout for the right home, or great at getting you to see the big picture. 

6. First-Time Home Buyer Tips: Check for First-Time Buyer Assistance Programs

First-time buyers can take advantage of various programs to fund their real estate purchases. Look for a lender who can offer the best buyer assistance program for you.

7. Buyer Caution: Factor in All Your Costs

The cost of purchasing the home itself is just the beginning. You also need to consider origination costs, the potential for interest rate increases in the future, and any renovations you intend to carry out to create your perfect home.

8. Don’t Avoid the Home Inspection

Unless you are experienced in home maintenance and repair, many issues can evade your notice. However, if the issue is big enough, it may make you change your offer. So whether you do a pre-inspection, inspection contingency, or inspection after purchase, it is important to know what you’re getting into.

9. Put Some Thought into Your Bid Offer

In simple terms, an offer should consider what the home is worth and what you can afford. But also remember those home sellers are real people. So think about doing some research to find out what is important to the seller and work that into the offer.

Share your own homebuying experiences or questions with us. Let’s chat!