Looking for a home in Utah doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. It can actually be an enjoyable and productive process if you prepare correctly. Here are 10 sure-fire ways that will make you a house hunting winner:
1. Know Your Score
A good credit score is key to getting approved for a home loan. Make sure you know your score, if you need to bring it up start working towards that goal right away.
2. Manage Your Money
Your finances will be under a close watch by your mortgage company while you’re waiting to be approved. Mortgage lenders like to see stability so steer clear of new lines of credit and changing banks. Also, save, save, save! The more cash you stash for a down payment the better APR you can get, and the less you will pay for your house over time.
3. Get Pre-approved and Know Your Range
There are a lot of things that factor into your home loan approval: gross annual income, cash on hand, credit score, interest rates, and monthly debt are just a few. Meet with a lender or mortgage broker to get approved and to find out how much of a house you can afford.
4. Make Your List
Make a list of 'must haves' and 'would likes' for your Utah home, condo or town home. “Must haves” are non negotiable (ex. number of rooms/bathrooms, an open floor plan, a yard). 'Would likes' are things you can add later or things that you’d like to have but can live without (hard wood floors, new appliances). This list will help you narrow down your search tremendously before you even step foot in a house.
5. Choose an Area
Utah is a big place, narrow down the areas of town in which you want to live so you can avoid time and fuel looking in wrong areas. Consider things like proximity to work, school districts, and price range. Do your research and narrow down your preferred area at the beginning to avoid all that stress.
6. Get Organized, & Take Notes
Put together a house hunting binder (include pens, paper and highlighters). Before you view a house, print out the online listing and use it to take notes and highlight details that stand out. This is a great way to keep track of your thoughts on each property, because after awhile they all start to run together.
7. Be the House Hunter Paparazzi
Take lots of pictures of each house you visit. Start by taking a picture of the front of the house where the address is visible, this will help you keep all the pictures straight later down the line. Take pictures of things you love and hate. Also take pictures of things about which you want to ask your Realtor.
8. Learn to Use Your Imagination
A house is what you make of it and often the current owner’s style and decor will not match your own. This is where you get to use your imagination. Can you see past the 1980s living room set and pink walls and visualize your own style in its place? Learn to look past the current owners’ tastes and really look at the structure and core of the house, does it work for you and your family? Seeing the potential of a home takes that kind of imagination.
9. Dress for Comfort
There’s no one to impress when you’re looking at houses; so, make sure you wear comfortable clothes and shoes. It’s also a good idea to dress for the weather. Sometimes utilities will have already been turned off and the temperature inside the home will match the temperature outside.
10. Relax
Sure, buying a house is a life-changing event; but, it shouldn’t make your life crazy. Make sure you relax and enjoy the process. Schedule some time to unwind and clear your thoughts over a nice cup of coffee after each house-hunting excursion.
Welcome to the AllUtahRealEstate.com Blog