1. Get APPROVED by the Bank!
This is most important. There is nothing worse than finding your dream home and you can’t purchase it. Go to the Bank and have them pre-approve you not pre-qualify. There is a difference. They must run everything through – knowing your income, debts, employment (how long have you been at your present job), back account balances, do you have money for a down payment and how your credit is. This will insure you have the right amount that they will lend you. It also assists in negotiations. Being a pre-approved buyer is ALMOST like purchasing with cash. It gives you an upper hand in negotiating! After pre-approval PLEASE do not make any major purchases as this will change your debt to income ratios. Also, when looking for a home please don’t get upset when an agent asks if you have been pre-approved this only assists in how serious a buyer is and making sure they are not wasting the time of the seller.
2. Work with an agent you can TRUST!
An agent will look out for your best interests and advise you on what & what not to do. They are the middle-man and can calm you down when things get stressful as they will. This is the biggest purchase of your life and you need to know that someone is truly looking out for your best interest.
3. Decide where you want to live!
Where do you want your children to go to school, how far do you want to be away from work, do you want to take the ferry or drive? What kind of home do you want something that needs work or move in condition? A condo, multiunit or single family?
4. You have found your new home!
This is the exciting part – best advise STAY CALM! You will be experiencing some ups and downs. Don’t get frustrated work through it and know that your agent will take care of any issues. Remember this – “everything happens for a reason & good things come to those who wait”! I have been in this business for over 25 years and I have seen it over & over.
Contact Kim Sheen at Kim Sheen Properties on 734-1264 or kim@kimsheenproperties.bm
