Whether you’re looking to become a first time homeowner or buying your tenth, read this article. Brushing up on the specifics of your chosen real estate market can help you make the right choice at the right time.  Read on to learn our recommended easy steps to buying a house.

Easy steps to buying a house – Focus on Georgia, USA

Purchasing a home is a huge milestone for anyone, not just for new homeowners. For many families, a house is the biggest purchase and investment they will ever make. And while it may seem like a daunting task, with a little research and preparation, buying a home can be a relatively smooth process.

In this article we are breathing life into our top tips by using Georgie USA as an example for where you invest.  Preparation can make the entire transaction much less stressful. From knowing what to look for in a good neighborhood to understanding the ins and outs of the closing process, being prepared can go a long way in making your dream of homeownership a reality.

Check these easy steps to buying a house

Look at your budget and see where you are

The first step before you start looking for houses for sale is determining if you’re in a healthy financial position.

A good credit score is 620 or higher. And keeping monthly debt payments to 36% or less of income is ideal. When determining your debt-to-income ratio, sum up all your regular monthly loan payments, including your expected mortgage payment. Then divide that total by your monthly income before taxes.

You should have at least 3% to 20% of the home’s purchase price saved up for a down payment. You should also set money aside for closing costs, relocation expenses, and a rainy-day fund before you ever consider buying a home.

Besides, take your time to investigate Georgia’s aid programs, such as the Georgia Dream Homeownership Program, to see if you qualify for funding to help with your purchase. If you aren’t financially stable enough to buy a home just yet, start taking steps to get there.

Proceed with pre-approval

Get pre-approved for a mortgage to find out what you can afford and if it is the right time to purchase a home. Pre-approval from a lender demonstrates to sellers that you are a serious buyer with the means to close on a deal quickly. You should compare interest rates and loan officers to find the best deal. Remember that after becoming pre-approved, you shouldn’t make any major purchases, open new lines of credit, or miss any payments.

Pick a geographical area

If you’re looking for a place to call home in Georgia, there are a few things you should take into consideration. Are you looking for a bustling metropolis or a more laid-back smaller town?

Do you want to be in the heart of the action or on the outskirts? And, of course, you’ll need to decide on a specific neighborhood that suits your needs and lifestyle. However, with so many options available, it can be tough to make up your mind. To get started, just take a look at the list of the best cities and neighborhoods in Georgia. From there, you can narrow down your search until you find the perfect place to call home.

Go house hunting

Make a list of your needs and wants. Categorize them as either “must-haves” or “nice-to-haves” before starting your home search. The perfect house doesn’t exist. However, if it has the most important features you’re looking for, it may be the best choice.

Keep in mind that the number of houses available on the market varies with the seasons. In Georgia USA in particular, the highest concentration of properties occurs in the spring. The lowest numbers are available in the fall and winter. The off-season may provide less competition and more bargaining power than the peak season.

Throw out a bid

If you’re looking to buy a home in Georgia, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from – but you’ll also need to be prepared for competition. With so many people moving to the state, demand for housing is high and homes are selling quickly. It’s not uncommon for homes to receive multiple offers and sell for above asking price. If you find a home that you’re interested in, it’s important to act fast.

In addition to being fast-paced, the Georgia real estate market is also ever-changing. New construction developments are popping up all over the state, and prices can vary greatly from one neighborhood to the next.

So, when searching for a home, wherever you are in the world, start by consulting with a local real estate agent. They can help you navigate the market and find the perfect home for your budget and needs. 

Get an inspection and appraisal

Once your offer has been accepted, it’s time to bring in a professional inspector to give the place a once-over. Have them check the state of the plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and roof. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources also suggests checking your home for termites and radon. The home will be assessed after the inspection to see if the asking price is fair. Your options may be limited to renegotiating the price or putting up a greater down payment. All this will be based on the appraisal’s findings.

Close on the deal

Do a last walk-through of the house before signing the paperwork to make sure you’re satisfied with everything. In Georgia, having a real estate attorney review and explain all contracts is the law. When the final paperwork is signed and the closing costs are paid, the buyer gets the keys to the property. You can then begin moving in.

Easy steps to buying a house in summary

Wherever you are in the world, make sure to adopt these easy steps to buying a house for best results!

FURTHER READING FOR HOMEOWNERS & PETOWNERS

At Housesitmatch.com we like to offer useful and practical articles on topics for our readers. In this selection we offer you a number of suitable pieces from our own blog on renovating and decorating a home.

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New home construction vs home renovations

Dream home – How to build your own

New home features you didn’t know you would want

Housesitters keep pets safe at home and save money

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