Buying a House in Asheville: Where Do You Even Start?
Buying a house anywhere can be a challenge, but how do you even know where to start? Most people begin by looking at listings online and, if they see one they like, they contact the agent to learn more. While this can kick off the house search, it doesn’t really give you the tools you need to get started properly. Should consulting a mortgage lender be your first step? It should, and here’s a closer look.
Step 1: Talk to a Mortgage Lender.
There is only one sure-fire way to know what you qualify for as a home buyer, especially if it’s your first time. Talking with a qualified lender can get you past the hurdle of uncertainty before you dig into the dirty work of looking for and buying a home.
And while there are a variety of online tools available, there is nothing than can replace the human interaction and expertise of a mortgage lender like Zachery Adam and his team at Prime Mortgage Lending of West Asheville.
Making this your first stop will be critical.
Step 2: Review Your Budget.
Other step-by-step guides list this as either the first or third step, but here we’ve positioned it as number two. Why? Because bringing your numbers to the table when you speak to your mortgage lender can give you an even better picture of what you can afford.
Your budget shouldn’t just include the cost of buying a home. Taxes, insurance, maintenance, and upkeep will also be essential aspects of your house budget. And, no matter how thorough you think you are, it can help to have a professional to talk you through the process.
Step 3: Research Your Options.
Once you have a reasonable financial picture in place, now is the time to research your options. What part of town do you want to live in? What kind of house do you want? Start by making a pros and cons list.
Look at your current lifestyle as well as how you see things changing over the next five or ten years. Are you single now? Do you plan to get married? Are you part of a young couple? Do you plan on having kids? What kind of neighborhood do you want? Do you have pets? What are your hobbies?
All of these will influence the right house for you, so make that list to keep in mind.
Step 4: Find the Right Buyers Agent.
While many other experts suggest finding an agent is the best first step, we consider it the final piece of the puzzle. Once you have your financial picture and budget in place, and your list of wants for a new house, you can work with a local agent to help bring all of these things together.
An agent is a critical part of this process. Not only do they know the community but they also understand the ways to keep you safe as a buyer. They can point you in the right direction, or away from the wrong one.
So while most people think an agent is a good starting point for buying a house, we can’t stress enough how important it is to know your financial picture before you even start looking.
To start your Asheville home buying process, contact Prime Mortgage Lending of West Asheville.
