Getting Ready to Shop for a new Home

Nov. 7, 2011 - PRLog -- There are many things that need to take place before you start shopping for a house.  While its fun to just start looking, you can waste a lot of time if you don't prepare yourself.  Here are  a few tips to help you get started in the home buying process.

   * Make a list.  Write down the things you want in a house.  The number of bedrooms and bathrooms is a given.  But also write down other amenities you would like, such as yard, acreage, area amenities, school district, basement, second floor, separate laundry room, formal dining, etc.  Remember to be realistic in what you're searching for, but if there are specific features you just can't live without, take note of those and let your agent know the importance of them.
   * Location.  Location is very important for a variety of reasons.  Resale value is one.  Your comfort is another.  Take into consideration the distance to work, to schools, to shopping, and any other amenities that are important to you.  Check zoning and covenants for the areas you are interested in.  Make sure you know what's going to be next to you or across the street.
   * Understand the Market.  In today's age of the internet, it's easy to get information on market statistics, market trends, and home values.  Research the neighborhoods you're interested in and see what's on the market and what houses are selling at.  Ask your agent for help.  They have access to market statistics through the local MLS.
   * Get pre-approved.  Local lenders understand the market best and can get you the best deals on a mortgage.  When you are ready to buy a house, and before you start shopping, talk to the bank and get pre-approved.  In today's market it's more important than ever to be a strong and qualified buyer.  Buyers with pre-approval letters are in a much better position to get an offer accepted once one is made.  They are taken more serious and have a stronger position when it comes to negotiating.
   * Be comfortable and not rushed.  When you are ready to actually go out and look at houses, make sure you can do it when you have time and aren't rushed.  If you are looking at houses on your lunch hour, don't try and schedule too many in.  Give yourself time to take a good look.  Try and look at houses only in the daylight.  You see a lot more with daylight streaming into the house, and obviously won't be able to get a good look at the outside or the yard in the dark.  And make sure to wear comfortable clothes.  Especially if you plan on being out an entire day looking at houses.  Being in uncomfortable shoes or clothes can make you irritable and less open and able to see the potential of a house.  The  home buying process can be a stressful one.  Try and relax and enjoy the shopping.
   * Take notes. Houses can run together when you look at a lot of them.  Make sure to take a notebook or a copy of the MLS sheet from your agent.  Write down what you like and dislike about each house.
   * Be ready to write an offer.  Even in today's market there can be multiple offers on a property.  One that's priced right can have more than one person interested in it.  The key to property selling will always be pricing.  A house that's priced right will sell.

Give The Team a call today to help you with your home buying process.  Call Mike at 406-431-4564 or Charlotte at 406-461-0042 or check out our website for more contact info.  http://teamliedlerealestate.com

Search the Helena MLS for your next home at http://www.teamliedlerealestate.com/listings/search-mls.

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Montana natives, we know what's important and we take selling or finding you a home seriously and we'll work so hard for you will say that there is 4 of us! We are dedicated to offering you the highest standards of service. Give us a call today!