Owning a house is a lifetime goal for many people. Renting can sometimes be more convenient, especially if you’re only living in an area short-term, but buying a property means you’ll have an important asset. This can be great for your retirement, and you could even leave your house to your children after you pass away, which will give them a lot of financial security.
However, buying a house is a complicated process. Here are the five main steps you need to remember if you’re hoping to buy a property in the USA.
Hire a real estate agent
As mentioned above, buying a house is incredibly complicated, which is why you need to hire an experienced real estate agent who can guide you through the process. A great agent can also help you get a better deal or show you properties you’ve never considered before, so getting their help is definitely worth it.
However, picking the right agent can be difficult. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the number of agents and brokerages you can find online, then why not try Compass? Compass is one of the fastest-growing real estate brokerages in the US due to its innovative use of technology and its wide range of services, including Compass Concierge and Private Exclusives. A Compass real estate agent can help you find the home of your dreams.
Do your research
Although your real estate agent will handle a lot of the research for you, it’s still a good idea for you to familiarize yourself with the current state of the market. You’ll learn more about prices and what you can get for your money if you look at the real estate market in your desired location, so this will inform your buying decisions.
Set a budget
Once you’ve researched the real estate market in your area, you can figure out a budget that works for you. You need to consider what you want in a house and also what’s possible according to your financial situation – there’s no point setting your budget really high to find your dream house if you simply can’t afford it.
Before you buy a house, you’ll need to save a deposit according to its value – the absolute minimum is 5%, but you’ll find it easier to get a mortgage if you save more than this. You’ll also find it easier to get a mortgage if you have a good credit score, so you should work on improving this first.
Gather documents
To buy a house, you’ll need to gather certain documents. Your lawyer will provide you with some of these documents, but you should have your tax documents, proof of employment, pay stubs, and bank statements, for example. Find out more about the documents you need here.
View properties
Of course, if you’re hoping to buy a house, you need to start viewing properties. Looking at houses online isn’t enough – you should go to viewings and open houses to get a better sense of how much you like a property. Remember to ask lots of questions during viewings to get as much information as possible. By attending plenty of viewings, you’ll find your perfect property in no time!
