It’s a great time to buy a new home because there are still quite a few Chicago homes for sale, and interest rates have continued to stay comparatively low.
Whether it’s your first time purchasing real estate or you’re a seasoned professional, here are a few tips to make shopping for a new house more pleasurable.
1. Get Help
Searching through all of the available properties on the market can be mind-boggling.
Find a professional real estate agent to help guide you through the homes for sale and select one that meets your family and financial needs.
2. Start Looking Now
Finding the perfect house can take longer than you might think, especially if you’re looking in a competitive market.
If you’re looking at getting a good deal on a foreclosure or short sale, then these transactions can take even longer because you’re likely waiting on the bank to make the final call on your purchase transaction.
Try to be patient. The more thorough you are in your search, the happier you’ll be in the long term.
3. Don‘t Settle For The First Place You See
Searching for a house can be extremely emotional.
If you think you’ve found the one, then take a step back, consult your real estate agent and go over your housing checklist one last time before writing an offer.
4. Weigh The Pros And Cons
Almost any property will need a few improvements; even newly constructed houses usually need improvements like landscaping.
Sellers are more savvy now about how to make cosmetic changes to catch a buyer’s eye, so look carefully.
There will still be things you want to change, so weigh the difference between the cost of those repairs and the sales price of the home.
If you really want a house even though it’s going to take a lot of work, make your offer accordingly.
5. Make Sure Your Financing Is In Order
Having financing done in advance makes the process of buying homes for sale much easier because you’ll know how much you can afford.
Your loan officer can also help you determine what your monthly payments will be based on how much money you borrow.
A great first step is to consult with a licensed mortgage financing specialist to go over the available programs and terms available in the area.
