With so many steps involved, answering the question of how to start buying a house can seem daunting. However, there are some basic steps you can take to make the process more manageable before you get to the home inspection and final purchase of your home.
Here are some of the basic things you need to do to start buying a house:
Get preapproved for a mortgage
Getting a preapproval letter from a mortgage lender benefits you in several ways. It helps you determine how much you can afford to spend on your new house, and also shows sellers you’re a qualified and motivated buyer.
Hire a real estate agent
Real estate agents are equipped with knowledge and resources to help you navigate every part of the real estate process. Most importantly, they can use their expertise to find listings that match your criteria for a perfect home.
Start your home search
Utilize the skills and resources provided by your real estate agent to find your dream home. Start with a list of priorities like must-have features, location and purchase price.
Make an offer
Once you’ve found the right house, your real estate agent can help you with any necessary negotiations and make the best offer based on purchase price, home inspection results, appraisal and home features.
While this is a simplified version of the home-buying process, it can be helpful to think about it in these basic steps.
About the Author
Marsha Charles
Consistent top listing and selling agent receiving Chairman's Club award for superior sales achievement almost every year while associated with Preferred Properties, Inc. Consistently receive the International Presidents Premier award for sales volume since joining Coldwell Banker Realty and ranked in the top 1% of agents in Connecticut and Westchester County. In 2021 I received the International Society of Excellence award for sales volume in excess of $100,000,000. I have been named a Top Five Sales Agent for customer satisfaction since 2010 (longer than any other agent in Connecticut) and listed in Connecticut Magazine. Named one of the Top Agents in Connecticut by Real Trends since 2018.
I work with sellers and buyers and also have a strong understanding to needs of those who are relocating . Background and experience in advertising, public relations and photography offer creative and innovative marketing plans for sellers.
Realtor designations include: Graduate Real Estate Institute, Certified Residential Specialist, Certified Residential Marketing Specialist, and Pricing Strategy Advisor. Served as President of New Canaan Board of Realtors (two terms), Director (three terms) and currently serve on Professional Standards Committee. Named Realtor of the year by the New Canaan Board of Realtors in 1994and again in 2022.
Married and mother of other of four children who attended and graduated from the New Canaan School System, Member of New Canaan, Darien, Greenwich and Statewide MLS systems. Areas covered include New Canaan, Darien, Greenwich, Rowayton, Norwalk, Wilton and all of lower Fairfield County.
