20/20 Vision: Home Buying Resolutions for The New Year
Is your vision 20/20? You knew we were going to say that, so soon after the first of the year. Yes, we have entered another decade and a new roaring 20s. While the financial market takes crazy twists and turns, we also believe that we can avoid a similar fate as our 20th century counterparts as they entered not only prohibition but also the great depression. We believe that with 20/20 vision and everything we’ve learned in the past century everyone can prepare for their financial future. Is one of your home buying resolutions this year to buy a home here in Asheville? Here are some things to consider.
Connect with a Mortgage Lender First
If you’ve been reading along, you know that we beat this drum pretty often. And if you’re new, we’re glad you’re here to read this message. When you begin to think about buying a new home, the very first step should always be talking with a lender.
Why? We’ve seen it happen over and over again. New homebuyers fall madly in love with a property but once they start the mortgage process, they find out they can’t afford it. Knowing what your budget is before you begin your search will help you with your home buying resolutions by narrowing down your options and reduce heartache and rejection.
Pick a Compatible Real Estate Agent
The next step is to find a compatible real estate agent. Asheville is full of amazing and competent agents. What’s important is that you find someone who matches your personal goals and values. Someone who can help you find exactly the home you want, not just throw listings at you to see what sticks.
It’s completely okay to interview several realtors in the area before making a decision. Talk to your friends who have worked with agents in the area and get some names. Set up meetings and see who clicks. It’ll be better for them and for you if the relationship is positive from the start.
Know What You Want
Make a list. When you’re ready to buy a home, consider all of the things that are important to you. They could be anything from a general floor plan to location and school district. Do you want a yard? Do you want single story living? How big would you like your home to be? Do you have an architectural style in mind?
There are absolutely no wrong answers as long as it can fit within your already established budget. Make a list of must-haves and a second list of nice-to-haves. Then you can work with your agent to find listings that match.
Plan for Future Expenses
It’s also important to know that the mortgage payment won’t be the only expense when you buy your home. Not only will you have some expenses related to the closing, there will be other things that come up in the first year or several years of owning your home.
Now is the time to plan, and save, for future expenses. Put aside money for house repairs, decorating, and other things that you may want to do to your home. Now is a great time to create an emergency fund, too. You only need to tap into that account when an emergency happens.
Are you ready to start your homebuying process? Do you want to know more about the options you have for your home buying resolutions? Contact Zachery Adam and the team at GoPrime of West Asheville. Call us today.
