An experienced real estate broker or agent can help you avoid some of the most common mistakes made when buying a home. And finding the right Realtor is the first step you should take. You want someone who is knowledgeable and passionate about both real estate and the community…and dedicated to finding you the perfect home.

As a Realtor with Down Home Real Estate, I make sure that my clients have the information they need to go through the home buying process smoothly. There is a lot to cover when buying a home, so it is essential to get things right. To help get you on the road to home ownership, here’s a list of things to start thinking about so you can avoid hitting an unexpected road block:

  1. Make sure you check your credit report and know your score. The higher your number the lower your mortgage interest rate. Over time, a lower interest rate can save you a tremendous amount of money. When looking at your credit score, make sure you contact all three of the credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. The number your financial lender will use is typically an average of the three.
  2. Meet with a financial lender to get preapproved for a loan. Knowing how much you qualify for will make the home search easier because you won’t need to look at homes out of your approved range. If you don’t know which lender to choose, I can recommend some great lenders in the area who can assist you.
  3. It’s important to keep all expenses related to the purchase in mind. You’ll need funds for things such as the closing costs, appraisal and escrow fees, homeowners insurance, property taxes, etc.

When all is said and done, being prepared is the key to making the home buying process work. That means following the above guidelines and finding a real estate broker or agent with your best interests in mind. Call me, Big Mike, at Down Home Real Estate. I’m in it to help make doors open for you!