Buying a home can be as easy or as complicated as you want it to be. But if you want to ensure you get everything right, there’re a few areas you’ll want to pay more attention to. This guide will help you navigate the trickiest parts of the homes for sale in Roanoke.
Determine Your Budget
Your budget will play a hand in a good share of the decisions you’ll make along the way. So before you can start checking out homes for sale in Roanoke, take a stock of your finances and determine how much you can afford. If you plan to take out a mortgage, keep in mind that lenders recommend buying a house that’s no more than 3-5 times your annual income.
Get Prequalified
Getting prequalified for a mortgage will help you know how much you’ll actually be able to spend. And all it’ll take to do that is furnish your mortgage banker with an overview of your finances (income, savings, investments and due debts). Your banker will indicate how much you’ll be able to borrow; this will in turn point you towards the right price range.
Partner With an Agent
Real estate agents have intimate knowledge of the property market, plus a web of connections that can greatly simplify the home buying process. What’s more, you won’t have to part with a dime for their services — they’ll take a chunk of the commission paid by the seller instead. On that note, be sure to find an agent whom you can trust to look after your interests.
Start Shopping
Now that you’re done with the prep work, it’s time to start browing listings and find your dream home. Research as many platforms as you can — websites, newspapers, magazines etc. Whenever you come across a listing you like, find out how long the home has been on the market and if there’re any changes in the asking price.
Narrow Down
You will know you’ve done your shopping right when you have a list of homes that all seem to fit your criteria. Your agent will help you determine which ones are worth checking out. Make time in your schedule for some tours, and be sure to carry along a notebook and camera when you visit. This’ll help you capture all the details in each house; furnishings, plumbing and electricals, number of bathrooms and so on.
Once you’re done with the tours, take time to compare these details and narrow down your list. Your realtor will then assist you in negotiating a fair offer.