How Do I Buy a House?
If you want to buy a house in the next year, be sure to put first things first. Get your finances in order, find a home, and close. It’s always fun to see Colorado homes for sale online and to casually drop into an Open House. But you might be disappointed if that home sells before you get enough money saved. Who knows what houses will be for sale next year when you are ready to buy!
You will be happy to know that homes for sale in Southeastern Colorado come with modest prices. You might begin shopping homes in Lamar, for example, by driving around the neighborhoods. Do you want to be in town, near a school or park? Do you want a property for sale with acreage? Try to decide on a few preferable neighborhoods.
Getting Your Finances Ready to Buy a House
In buying a home, you’re making an important investment. Many first-time buyers experience dismay as they learn exactly how much cash they need. Wishful thoughts of finding their dream homes dissipate quickly. And practical realities start taking hold. Buyers often have “wants” and dreams. Be prepared to modify those dreams after finding out how much cash will be needed to acquire a home in Colorado or elsewhere.
Traditionally, buyers save 20 percent of the purchase price of a home to use for a down payment. Now lenders may entice you with a lower down payment. That can be a problem if the economy changes. You might find yourself underwater, not being able to sell the home for the amount you still owe. So, the larger the down payment, the better.
In summation, you will need cash on hand for several purposes, including:
- A down payment or a larger down payment
- A home inspection
- Closing costs
- Furniture and appliances
- Moving
Getting Approved for a Home Mortgage
Visit lenders and ask for the best, most comfortable home loan options for you. As a rule of thumb, the more money you put down, the better deal you will find in a mortgage. In addition, you’ll end up paying much less interest over the life of the loan. Decide which mortgage package works better for you, get an approved price range, and ask for a pre-approval letter.
Use a Reputable Realtor
Collaborate with a real estate agent after interviewing experts in the area. A reputable Realtor provides invaluable assistance through the homebuying journey. Your Realtor will scope out home listings to fit your goals. In addition, these professionals network. They often know of homes that will be coming onto the market in the future. They help you make purchase offers and negotiate. When it’s time for closing, after signing on many dotted lines, your real estate agent will make certain you’ve received everything you anticipate in the transaction.
Real Estate Companies in Southeast Colorado
Cruikshank Realty is located at 20 S. Main Street, Lamar, CO 81052. We are here to help you through the steps to buy a home. Call the real estate professionals at Cruikshank Realty (719) 336-7802.