Look past the paint colors and staging. Check the age of the roof, the HVAC system, and the "vibe" of the neighborhood at different times of day.
A pre-approval letter tells sellers you’re a serious buyer with backed funding. In a competitive market, you can't win without one. Phase 2: Building Your Team home buying guide pdf
Distinguish between "needs" (3 bedrooms, good school district) and "wants" (granite countertops, hardwood floors). Phase 3: The Search & The Offer Look past the paint colors and staging
As a buyer, having a Realtor is usually free (the seller pays the commission). They handle the paperwork, negotiations, and scheduling. In a competitive market, you can't win without one
This is the final deep dive into your finances by the lender. Pro tip: Do not make any large purchases (like a new car) or open new credit cards during this time! Phase 5: Closing Day
Hire a professional to find the hidden "skeletons" in the walls. This is your chance to back out if there are major structural or safety issues.
