Home purchasing: A beginners guide to finding your dream home

Purchasing a home is a big commitment that can positively impact you and your household for years to come. Going into the home purchasing process with the right game plan can help you navigate your search and find the home of your dreams.

Ready to get started? Great! Let’s go.

Examine your needs 

First, examine what you want and need from your next home purchase. For example, you may want to make sure your next property has enough space to accommodate your household’s hobbies. Do you need a workshop for your 3D print area? Maybe you just need a storage room to store odds and ends, so repurposing a closet or half of a room would do. 

You may also want to consider the location of the potential home you may be interested in and your plans for the near future before making a purchase. If you have kids in your household, it may be beneficial for the home to be in proximity to a good school system. 

Get pre-approved for a home loan

Getting a pre-approval letter puts power in your hand as a potential homebuyer. This letter signifies your financial background has been checked out by a lender, and they’ve deemed you a good candidate for their loan. 

This letter gives you the opportunity to negotiate with home sellers because with it, it demonstrates you’re a serious homebuying prospect. 

Collaborate with a real estate agent

Hiring a real estate agent is worth the extra expense during the homebuying process. Agents bring knowledge of the local real estate market and can help you identify areas with homes meeting your needs - especially if you’re on the fence about where to start. 

They can provide MLS access, guide you through the paperwork needed in the process and negotiate on your behalf to ensure you get the best deal for your purchase.