If you are contemplating buying a home in 2020, it’s important to understand the home buying process. It will take a lot more research than buying a new iPhone and a lot more consideration. A home will most likely be the largest purchase you make in a lifetime, but when you’re ready to begin, here are some simple steps to take.
Do Some Research
It may be a year or more down the road before you are actually ready to buy a home, but it’s never too early to start doing some research. A good place to start is by searching homes available in your desired area online. This will help you get an idea of what type of home you can get in your price range. Use this time to put together a list of priorities for your new home. You should group priorities into “must-haves” and “would like to haves.” It is not always possible to get everything you want at a price you can afford. Learn what you can and can’t live without.
Do the Math
Most people who are purchasing a home will need a mortgage loan. You need to know what you can afford and understand the types of loans available. Be realistic about your financial situation. Now is the time to get pre-approved, or even better yet pre-qualified, for your home purchase. Some prospective home buyers will need to work on repairing their credit score, or realize they need to save more money for a down payment. Use the next few months to address financial issues, get preapproved for a loan, and get ready to go shopping.
Find a REALTOR®
Many home buyers think they can find a home, negotiate for a home, and close on a home on their own. This would be a terrible mistake. Most of the time a REALTOR® does not cost a home buyer anything, and their knowledge, expertise, and negotiation skills will be invaluable to you as a buyer. Get referrals, research candidates, interview agents and request references if it will give you peace of mind, but most important, choose a REALTOR® that you will enjoy working with. Sometimes, finding the perfect home takes a while.
Start Looking
You now know what you can afford, what you must have, and have an experienced and trusted partner to help in your home search. Go to open houses, make appointments and see as many homes as you need. Don’t feel rushed and realize that a home search may take a while. Buying a home is a long-term investment, and a very special one. When your dream home comes along, you’ll know it!
Angela Barrett, "A Different Kind of Real Estate"
Angela Barrett is a local REALTOR® in Lexington, SC. Every day, she has the privilege of working with Buyers and Sellers around and on Lake Murray - Lexington, Gilbert, Chapin, and Irmo. It is her goal to help every buyer find the perfect home, and every seller sell at the best price possible. Exit Real Estate Consultants opened its doors in 2008 and has been the local expert since. Angela says, "she works with a wonderful group at EXIT and is proud to be a REALTOR® for a company that prides itself on being a "family helping families."
What makes Angela different from other Realtors is her desire to combine a love of real estate with the truth. She may not always tell you what you want to hear but will ALWAYS tell you what you need to hear. Before getting into the real estate industry, she owned her own court reporting business for 14 years. She decided to change careers because it was her desire to help others with their housing needs in a way that was honest and truthful, a way that put their needs ahead of the sale. Her business is built on Dedication, Communication, Determination & Trust while embodying the ability to cater and adapt to all of her client's Real Estate needs. She says the best part of her business is the people she meets and the ability to assist them throughout the process. Her goal is not only finding the hidden gem or selling at the right price but giving her clients peace of mind that they will work together through every detail.
Angela showcases her homes on her website and utilizes professional service providers to assist with her clients' buying and selling needs, including tips for staging and recommendations for painters, designers, handymen, and inspectors. She is communicative, thorough, and detail-oriented, and she'll be with you every step of the way!
Angela made Lexington home 28 years ago. She is knowledgeable about the area and feels blessed to call Lexington her home. Angela enjoys showing her clients around “Miss Murray”, the Jewel of South Carolina, and when she’s not helping someone with their real estate needs, she enjoys going to the gym, running, spending time on Lake Murray, and a little photography.
Looking to buy or sell a home in the Lake Murray area? Call Angela Barrett, who not only represents “A Different Kind of Real Estate" but also a different kind of REALTOR®.
View all posts by Angela Barrett, Realtor ExitREC
