Home buying can be a tricky process in a high-demand market like the Greater Houston area. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This guide serves as an overview of what to expect. Here are some tips that will help you maneuver your way thru the home buying process.
Examining your finances
If you haven’t yet, then you definitely need to take a close look at where you stand financially. A home is a major, long-term financial commitment and you will want to make sure that you can truly afford it.
Lining up your financing
There are many different kinds of loan products out there, from fixed-rate mortgages to adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) to jumbo loans.It’s best to remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to mortgages. You’ll want to do your research because you’re going to be stuck with your loan for a while.
Getting the right help
Sure, you can buy a home without the help of a real estate agent, but why not benefit from the help of a knowledgeable professional? Here are some things to consider when choosing an agent:
Determining what you want
You should know what you want before you start shopping around for a house. Consider not just the features you want your home to have, but the neighborhood you want to live in as well.
Finding the right home
You’ll already find plenty of information on real estate listings online, whether through sites like Realtor.com or Zillow.com or the more local HAR.com (the Houston Association of Realtors® website). Shopping online is just the beginning, however – to make sure that you have access to all your possible options, it’s a good idea to:
Purchasing the property
When you’ve found what you think is the ideal home for you, the next step is making an offer. You may need to move fast at this point, particularly if the property is in a sought-after location – this is why it pays to be prepared with your financing early on.
Closing the deal
There are going to be quite a few people involved in the closing. In Texas, the closing is typically handled by the title company. Some things to keep in mind: