Chasing the homeownership dream in 2022? Great decision! There’s quite nothing like owning your own home. The pride, tax deductions, equity loans, savings, freedom, stability, and more make buying a house worth it.
However, entering the housing market in 2022 requires a lot of strategies. Here are some tips to help make your dream of buying a house a reality.
#1. Know what you can afford
Thanks to strong demands and limited inventory, housing prices have soared past previous all-time highs in many parts of the country. That situation is unlikely to change in 2022. So you can expect to pay more for the house of your choice.
However, it’s always best to find out the price range of homes in different neighborhoods and settle for those with prices you afford. This way, you won’t waste your time falling in love with a house before you realize it’s outside your financial reach.
#2. Work on your credit scores
You’re probably going to rely on a mortgage to buy a home. If that is the case, you want to check your credit scores, and if need be, work on improving them as soon as possible. That’s because, without a good score, you’d probably not be approved for a loan.
Changing your credit scores can’t be done quickly. It takes time, so you can’t wait until the last minute before making a move. Begin by checking for errors that could be diminishing your scores. Also, pay your bills on time and start paying off your debts.
#3. Get a loan pre-approval
If you’re serious about moving into your own home this year, then you might want to get pre-approved for a home loan with a mortgage bank or broker. This ensures that real estate agents take you seriously and pay attention to you, especially as there’s a massive demand for houses.
Getting pre-approved will also let you know how much you can afford to spend on a new house. It also gives you the confidence to take a step toward actualizing your dream.
#4. Watch out for money pits
Most of the time, new homeowners are not content with the upgrades the previous homeowner made that soared the price of the house. You’ll likely want to make the home yours by adding your own touches and finishes. So why pay more for something you’ll probably change. You may want to purchase a home without expensive upgrades.
However, avoid buying a house that’ll put a huge strain on your finances. In the red hot market, many sellers will finally be able to offload that house with huge problems onto unsuspecting buyers. Work with a trusted real estate agent and do a thorough inspection, so you don’t become that buyer.
#5. Don’t be afraid to negotiate
Yes, you might have to fight to buy that property you want. There are lots of buyers out there, so the competition will be fierce. Buyers are desperate, and there’s someone who might outbid you for that popular property. So don’t be hesitant to pay more than the asking price.
And even after winning the bid, a thorough inspection or two will reveal any issues you’ll spend money on later. Use that to negotiate a better deal. You also want to make sure you don’t regret your purchase later. So you can always walk away too. You’ll get another house.
If you’re looking to buy a home in Michigan, working with a local real estate professional will help you navigate the market better and find an ideal home that suits your needs and budget. Contact us to take the first step toward becoming a homeowner today.