Whether it’s your first or fourth time, buying a house in Texas is both exhilarating and stressful. But when you have consideration of a few essential to-dos and a pinch of patience, you’ll be taking possession of the keys to your new home before you know it. The following advice is designed to see you on your way to moving in as quickly as possible.
Funding
Very few people are fortunate enough to have the funds to buy a house outright, meaning you’re most likely taking out a mortgage for your upcoming home purchase. Start by saving for the deposit; the deposit’s size and repayment affordability dictate the size of the loan offered. When your deposit is sizeable enough, shop around for mortgages and get one agreed in principle so that the financing can go through when your offer is accepted. Getting the funding sorted out before starting to put bids on properties confirms the price range you’re looking in and increases the chances of offers being accepted.
Choose A Relator
Once you’re seriously looking for a home, it’s time to choose the realtor who will help you. Real estate in Texas moves fast, so you want someone who listens to your needs and is proactive in finding suitable properties. Meet with a few realtors in person to get a feel for your interactions and go with the one you best trust. Check out online reviews to confirm your thoughts, both positive and negative.
Additional Help
Some home buyers may find they’re eligible for additional financial help, especially first-time buyers. Research if any schemes can give you a financial boost to achieving your house-buying goal. For example, the My First Texas Home is aimed at first-time and veterans and offers flexible, low-interest loans to eligible buyers. Such schemes can be the difference between not quite qualifying for a mortgage or even affording a nicer house than a mortgage from other lenders would allow.
Be Aware Of The Seasons
As strange as this statement may seem, available housing stock for sale fluctuates throughout the year. If you can’t avoid house hunting in December, it helps to understand that there will be significantly fewer listings than in the summer months. But stock levels aren’t the only thing that fluctuates with the seasons; house prices also fluctuate. So, although there’s less to choose from in mid-winter, prices also tend to be lower, meaning you could find the ideal property for several thousand less than if you saw it in June.
Put In An Offer
Now that you’ve done the leg work and found a house you love, it’s time to make an offer. Your real estate agent will advise on a reasonable offer, but at the end of the day, only you know what you’re comfortable with paying. That said, don’t be afraid to negotiate; many people offer well over asking and end up paying significantly more than necessary.
With this information on board, you’ll be taking possession of those keys before you know it.