Step 2: Online Research: Look into Neighborhoods, Lenders, Realtors
Do you know the State, the County, the City, even the Neighborhood you’re most interested in? Unlike in the past, there is so much data online that it’s usually very easy to make a lot of progress on WHERE you want to be, even before you’ve set foot in the area. The job market, housing, cost of living, tax rates, amenities, school scores and reviews, sporting opportunities, activities for children – All of this is but a click away.
Research and information-gathering begins early on for most buyers these days. There are many who will begin looking at the available homes and then the solds up to a year before really feeling “ready” to start their actual search. Others are ready almost immediately. I think most homebuyers will agree, however, that online photos and virtual tours do NOT tell the whole story. Sometimes the photos are better than the actual home; sometimes they’re worse. And there’s nothing like a few drive bys, both daytime and evenings, to really get a feel for the neighborhood!
Another important piece of the early homework has to do with lending. Start to learn about FHA mortgages in particular these days, but also VA and Conventional, depending on what will best suit your needs. Learning the ins and out of qualifying for the mortgage is key; that can be a bigger process for many homebuyers than actually finding the home they’d most like to move into. It doesn’t hurt to skip ahead in the steps here and talk to a lender. Some are exceptional at answering your questions, not just the ones you’re asking, but also the ones you haven’t thought of yet!
I’ve found over the years that the more homework and research my buyers and I do for them upfront, the higher their satisfaction and peace-of-mind with their final home choice.
Best regards, Gretchen
