While the homebuying process can seem intimidating, once you know what to expect it is actually pretty simple. Knowing what to expect before you begin the process can lessen some of the anxiety associated with it for you, and can also educate you should any issues come up during the process.  Because I want to help you be successful in your home search, check out this step-by-step guide to the home-buying process. Follow these steps to enter your home search prepared and ready to make an offer on your dream home.   Step 1: Check your Credit Before even contacting a lender or an agent, it is smart to check your credit report to see what your options are. You can get one free credit report a year, and this will determine what the interest rate on your mortgage will be, along with what kind of loans you can apply for. A good rule of thumb is that a good credit score is 720 or above, while the minimum to secure a loan through FHA is 580 or over. There are downpayment assistance programs that you can get starting at a 620 credit score.   Step 2: Decide on a Budget It is important to find out how much you are willing to pay. Make sure to include mortgage payments into your budgeting, because even if you qualify for an expensive house you will probably not want that high a payment for the long term. Doing things like using a mortgage affordability calculator and researching the housing market so that you can think of a concrete number that will be affordable for you.   Step 3: Find an Agent It is very important that you trust your agent, because they will be your lifeline through the home buying process. Check reviews online or ask your friends and family for a referral, and make sure to ask a lot of questions and meet with a few candidates so you can find out your best fit.   Step 4: Get Pre-Approved Getting pre-approved for a loan could make you more likely to get your offer accepted down the line. In pre-approval, a lender will pull your credit information and then give you a letter stating how much they would be willing to lend you. This gives the sellers some confidence in you because they know for sure that you will be able to afford their home.    Step 5: Start Looking at Homes By now, since you’ve done all of your financial prep and talked to an agent, you probably have a pretty good idea of what kind of house you would like and in what area. Your agent can also help you greatly here, as they will have a good knowledge of properties coming on the market and homes like the ones you are looking for.   Step 6: Make an Offer Once you’ve found a home that you are excited about, your agent will help you decide on an offer based on the listing price of the property. Your agent will understand how to craft your offer, based on the current market, whether there will need to be contingencies, or whether you need an inspection.   Step 7: Home Inspection This is an important day for negotiating, if your offer requires it. If the inspector finds any unseen defects, you can take them to the seller for bargaining power. Also, this is a good time to measure things in the house, because it is the last time you will be inside before closing.   Step 8: Get Insurance and Utilities If you have owned a home already, you will only have to call your insurance agent and let them know you’re buying a new home. But, if this is your first home, you will need to get homeowner’s insurance. Lenders require insurance, and it is a critical part of protecting your investment. You will also want to make sure you have utilities set up for your move-in date, because you will not want to arrive, ready to move in, only to find that you have no electricity.   Step 9: Close on Your Home This is arguably the most important day in the process, and you will need your agent with you to help. At closing, you will read and sign all of the papers and policies that go along with officially owning your home, and you will want your agent there to make sure everything goes smoothly and that everything us how it should be for you.   Step 10: Move In! You have officially reached the finish line by step 10! Your contract will specify the exact date that you can move in, and after that you can officially make your new house into a home. Now that you’re settled in, let’s look at the benefits of owning a home.

Buying a home can seem like a daunting task, particularly because it requires money and paperwork upfront and you know that you will be paying for it for years to come. It is one of the biggest financial decisions you will make in your life, so it requires careful consideration, but there are also a lot of upsides to owning your own home. Some of these advantages include:   Privacy and autonomy over your home A mortgage is more predictable and stable than rent if it is fixed rate Many payments that you make towards your home are tax deductible Pride of homeownership and sense of belonging in your community Equity that goes to you as you make payments More options to choose from, especially if you have a budget window.   There are definitely many different factors to consider if you are weighing buying versus renting. Homeownership requires you to have a stable or growing income, as you will be making payments for a long time. While there are significant financial benefits, they are long term so having a budget or savings plan in place before you purchase your home is critical. Overall, there are many benefits to owning a home, especially if you think you will be in one place for awhile and you feel financially stable. Here is a breakdown of the benefits of owning a home vs. renting a home...