Me and my husband are looking into buying a house?

Question

for the first time and we have NO idea where to begin or what the process is like.. can anyone give us some tips or advice? Thank you!!

Answer 1

First get pre-qualified. Most agents won't really give you the time of day unless you are pre-qualified and they know how much you can afford. This is as simple as going to a bank and filling out the paperwork and getting a letter stating that you are prequalified for up to $X.

To do that, you will need paycheck stubs and last years tax return as well as copies of all bank statements for checks and savings accounts. You will also need an idea of how much you owe on other debts (auto, credit card) and how much your monthly payments are on each of those.

Then, take note of what areas you are interested in (based on price, proximity to work, and maybe schools) and what things you need to have - how may bedrooms, size, garage??

After you get that piece of paper, I suggest taking a map and highlighting the areas you are interested in living and then start looking online for houses that are in that area that fall into your price range and your requirements.

Then, do a drive by of that property. If you are still interested after doing that, then contact an agent to set up a time to view the inside. I know this sounds like a lot of work on your part and virtually no work on the agents part, but I can tell you from experience, you are better off doing the legwork yourself instead of having an agent showing you a bunch of properties that don't meet your needs or likes.

Answer 2

Find your self a good hard working honest Realtor.
You pay your Realtor nothing. Realtors get their commission from the Seller when the house sells.
But first get your loan application in with your bank.
be careful with loan brokers, because they can make promises they may not be able to keep, because they really have no control with underwriters of the loan. Go to a bank that you already have an established relationship with.
suggest that you know what you want to spend on your monthly payment rather than what you can qualify for. do not try to qualify for more than you can handle or you might lose the house to foreclosure. as your first house, buy the cheapest house you can find, so that you can easily afford it. build some equity fix the place up and sell it in a few years for a house that is just a little nicer and gradually move into your dream house.

Answer 3

I think the first step should be to be sure that you can qualify for a mortgage. How is your credit history? What about your debt/income ratio. Do you have enough $ saved that you could put 20% down on a home?

Go to you bank to ask about a home loan, see how much house you can afford, and then contact a realtor after you have loan approval, and start house shopping. This way you know how much you can afford first, and then you can get out there and find a house that fits into your budget.

Answer 4

Hi
You can start by asking yourself some questions:
1. Do I have a steady source of income (usually a job)? Have I been employed on a regular basis for the last 2-3 years? Is my current income reliable? Do I have a good record of paying my bills?
2. Do I have few outstanding long-term debts, like car payments?
3. Do I have money saved for a down payment
4. Do I have the ability to pay a mortgage every month, plus additional costs
If you can answer "yes" to these questions, you are probably ready to buy your own home.
Next, go to a mortgage lender and get pre-approved.
With that you are ready to choose a real estate associate.

Answer 5

My husband and I are saving up for the downpayment to build a house right now.
Here's what we have went by:
1. Pick out a house plan
2. Order/Purchase blueprints
3. Decide where to build
4. Speak to a Contractor about how much the house will cost (he will need to see the blueprints)
5. Talk to an officer at a Mortgage Center or at a bank. They will let you know about payments and all that good stuff

Oh and start saving for a downpayment immediately. Some ppl get lucky and dont have to have a downpayment

Answer 6

If you aren't sure what is up with the whole home buying thing, you should seriously consider getting a Realtor to represent you. They know all of the legal necessities for home buying. You will also need to shop around for lenders and get preapproved for a specific amount so you know what price range to start looking at. DO NOT GET A SUB PRIME LOAN. They are very very evil things. Check out the site below for a little more info.

Answer 7

First, find out what you can afford. A realtor can help you with this. They may refer you to a mortgage broker to "pre-qualify" you. That means that a third party, the mortgage broker, will guarantee you financing. Or, you can find a mortgage broker yourself. This is a people thing. If your personality doesn't click, don't feel bad about contacting someone else, until you are getting answers. Online sites are good, but they work best for people who already know what questions to ask. This is a major financial decision. Expect it to take some time. Good luck.

Answer 8

It's always best to go to a bank first and get pre-qualified. You are also FHA so that will help. Then go to a reputable real estate broker.

There are ways to buy real estate with little or no money down but you have to be educated on that.

Answer 9

Do two things, go to the bank and get pre-approved for a loan. Then, call a realtor, they will help you through the process.

Answer 10

Listen to Brads advice, he is absolutly correct. Get to the bank first!! Good Luck!