Jeson Clarke

Guide to Choosing the Right Home to Purchase

Taking steps toward homeownership is an exciting process. But finding that perfect home involves more than looking at current real estate listings. Knowing what's available is always a good start. With potentially hundreds of listings to choose from, you'll need to ask yourself many questions to narrow in on that dream property.

Whether this is your first or fifth home, here's everything you need to know about finding the right home to purchase.

Crunch the Numbers

Before you look at a single listing, you should crunch the numbers and determine how much you can afford. Work with a lender to get preapproval. That's a good start. However, just because a lender will give you a sizeable loan doesn't mean you should take it all.

Look at your budget. Calculate your monthly income and consider any recurring bills you have. Most experts recommend that only 30 percent of your monthly income goes towards housing expenses. That includes mortgage payments, utilities, etc.

Of course, there's some wiggle room there. But it's wise to go into your search knowing how much your estimated mortgage payment will be. Crunching the numbers ensures you're shopping in the right price range.

Wants vs. Needs

Next, create a list of wants and needs. Your "wants" list will include all those extras you hope you have but can live without. We're talking about things like stunning architectural style or a pool. Those features are great, but they're not dealbreakers.

Your "needs" list includes the must-have items. This list can have details about how many bedrooms your home should have, its neighborhood, nearby amenities, commute to your job, etc.

Keeping wants and needs separate will help you prioritize your search.

Hire an Agent

The best thing you can do when beginning your home search is to hire a buyer's agent. Agents can access current real estate listings and will work diligently to show you homes that fit your criteria. They also have in-depth knowledge about the market and area, ensuring you have all the information you need to discover a dream property and put in an offer.

Author Resource:-

Jeson Clarke advises people about real estate, property investment and affordable housing schemes. You can find his thoughts at real estate listings blog.