The Road to Homeownership

Looking at homes becomes an exciting adventure the moment you move from window shopping online to house touring. It is crucial to complete the pre-approval process with your lender before beginning a serious home search. A pre-approval letter helps you and your real estate agent know your pre-approved amount, which helps narrow your home search to a list of the best homes available in your price range. Here are some tips to narrow the search even further on your ideal home. Need to get pre-approved?

The Road to Homeownership

Looking at homes becomes an exciting adventure the moment you move from window shopping online to house touring. It is crucial to complete the pre-approval process with your lender before beginning a serious home search. A pre-approval letter helps you and your real estate agent know your pre-approved amount, which helps narrow your home search to a list of the best homes available in your price range. Here are some tips to narrow the search even further on your ideal home. Need to get pre-approved?

Your "Perfect" Home

Make a list of your priorities and deal breakers in a home. Specifics make a difference. For example, you may want to factor in an extra room to serve as a home office. This narrows the search for you and the agent. A double vanity bathroom may be desired for you and your partner, but a home office is a must which may lead you to accept a smaller bathroom to stay within budget.

Your "Perfect" Home

Make a list of your priorities and deal breakers in a home. Specifics make a difference. For example, you may want to factor in an extra room to serve as a home office. This narrows the search for you and the agent. A double vanity bathroom may be desired for you and your partner, but a home office is a must which may lead you to accept a smaller bathroom to stay within budget.

Begin your Search

Once pre-approved, if you're not already working with a trusted Realtor, then seek the counsel of your trusted loan officer. They will refer you to one of their trusted realtor partners.

Begin your Search

Once pre-approved, if you're not already working with a trusted Realtor, then seek the counsel of your trusted loan officer. They will refer you to one of their trusted realtor partners.

Pictures Are Not Worth a Thousand Words

Pictures of a home online may be beautiful, but pictures can be doctored and photoshopped with ease in today’s technological-centric world. Pay attention to the description of the home for any keywords that suggest it may have issues. Also, if a home has been on the market for an extended period that is longer than normal for that specific area, there is likely a reason. Have your agent reach out and try to determine what the real issues are.

Pictures Are Not Worth a Thousand Words

Pictures of a home online may be beautiful, but pictures can be doctored and photoshopped with ease in today’s technological-centric world. Pay attention to the description of the home for any keywords that suggest it may have issues. Also, if a home has been on the market for an extended period that is longer than normal for that specific area, there is likely a reason. Have your agent reach out and try to determine what the real issues are.

Trust Your Agent

Once the search is narrowed, lean on the agent for their expertise and area knowledge. A home may be beautiful but could back up to a freeway or some other issue that only an experienced agent can identify. These issues can affect the resale value and need to be identified before proceeding. Remember, this is why choosing an agent that is an area expert is a must. Lone Peak Lending works with experienced trustworthy agents across the country. Get connected with a Lone Peak Lending Officer today so they can help you find your perfect agent!

Trust Your Agent

Once the search is narrowed, lean on the agent for their expertise and area knowledge. A home may be beautiful but could back up to a freeway or some other issue that only an experienced agent can identify. These issues can affect the resale value and need to be identified before proceeding. Remember, this is why choosing an agent that is an area expert is a must. Lone Peak Lending works with experienced trustworthy agents across the country. Get connected with a Lone Peak Lending Officer today so they can help you find your perfect agent!

Attend Open Houses with Intention

Search for Open Houses within your price point to match your criteria. Viewing homes in person can change your desired criteria compared to what you think will work. Ask the agent to send notifications of upcoming Open Houses as well as check online and on social media. Arrive Early! Arrive to Open Houses early to walk the neighborhood and even potentially meet some of the neighbors. Getting to know the neighborhood you potentially may live in can help in the decision process and eliminate homes as well. Envision yourself as part of that specific community.

Attend Open Houses with Intention

Search for Open Houses within your price point to match your criteria. Viewing homes in person can change your desired criteria compared to what you think will work. Ask the agent to send notifications of upcoming Open Houses as well as check online and on social media. Arrive Early! Arrive to Open Houses early to walk the neighborhood and even potentially meet some of the neighbors. Getting to know the neighborhood you potentially may live in can help in the decision process and eliminate homes as well. Envision yourself as part of that specific community.

Questions You Should Ask the Listing Agent

While at the Open House, prep the following questions for the agent on duty.

  • Have they received any offers?

  • When does the seller want to move?

  • When is the seller wanting to close?

  • How many days has the house been on the market?

  • Any price changes since on the market?

  • Any major issues or necessary renovations?

  • What are the average utility costs?

Get In Touch!

Get pre-approved today. Let's start working together!

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