If home-buying is a journey you want to take in 2024, don’t wait around to get things underway. Here are four starters:
- Find a real estate agent.
Choose an agent you trust to be your go-to expert on all facets of the homebuying process, from finding potential properties to coordinating inspections, to negotiating on your behalf and so much more…including recommending other professionals you need to speak with. While you can reach housing reports and suchlike, the key for homebuyers (and sellers) is to work with the local property specialist who can speak to the unique local conditions.
- Get your finance pre-approved.
it’s important to meet with a finance broker as early on in the process as possible if you are going to be borrowing to make that purchase. The broker will consider all options available to you and determine what type of mortgage you qualify for and is best for you. The pre-approval process also helps you know your budget and the price range to shop in, and be ready to act.
- Differentiate your wants from needs.
Identifying wants and needs ahead of visiting Opens helps you stay on track and consider what best fit your crucial criteria. If you’re buying a property with a spouse, partner, family member or friend, make sure all stakeholders are in alignment on what elements are deemed essential. Tip: Make a ‘wants vs needs’ list and prioritise features you can’t live without. Take ideas from the good and bad in your current living situation.
- Start browsing web sites.
Learn what you can about current market conditions and how to navigate homebuying in 2024.