Tips for Accelerating the Homebuying Process

by Meg Johnston Burke 08/05/2018

Let's face it – you're tired of your current living situation and are ready for a change. Luckily, there are many homes available in your area – you just need to find a residence that fits your needs and budget. The homebuying process sometimes can become time-consuming and exhausting, but we're here to help you take the guesswork out of finding a residence and ensure you can discover your dream home quickly and effortlessly. Here are three tips that you can use to speed up the homebuying process: 1. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage. Why should you look at homes you cannot afford? Instead, you can get pre-approved for a mortgage and search for residences that suit your budget perfectly. Many lenders are available that offer financing for homebuyers nationwide. As a result, you may be able to evaluate a variety of lenders to ensure you're able to get the lowest interest rate on your mortgage. Before you begin your home search, get pre-approved for a mortgage – you'll be happy you did! And remember, if you are pre-approved for a mortgage, you may be able to improve your chances of a home seller accepting your offer over others (i.e. from homebuyers who still need to get financing) as well. 2. Employ a Home Inspector. After you submit an offer for a residence, you'll want to hire a home inspector who can evaluate this property to the fullest extent. A home inspector serves as an unbiased third-party who possesses the experience and know-how needed to evaluate a residence. Therefore, this inspector will be able to identify any problem areas before you buy a house. With the right home inspector at your side, you can boost your chances of finding the right home without delay. This inspector will empower you with the insights you need to make an informed homebuying decision, one that could deliver significant benefits both now and in the future. 3. Work with a Real Estate Agent. Although you'd like to find a home as quickly as possible, you may lack the time and resources needed to fully review the real estate market. By hiring a real estate agent, however, you can streamline the process of exploring the real estate market in your area. A real estate agent will collaborate with you, learn about your wants and needs and provide information about residences that match your preferences. This professional can even set up home showings and keep you up to date about open houses in your area. Thus, your real estate agent serves as a dedicated housing market resource and will do everything possible to ensure you can find the perfect home. You'll likely discover a broad assortment of real estate agents available in cities and towns across the United States. And to find the right real estate agent, you'll want to meet with this professional and make sure you're comfortable working with him or her as you embark on your search for your dream residence. Take advantage of the aforementioned tips, and you should have no trouble accelerating the homebuying process.
About the Author
Author

Meg Johnston Burke

Meg & Loudoun County: Back in 1993, we moved here from Pennsylvania, thinking we'd stay for a year or two -- well clearly, Loudoun is "home" now! In the past, I was a broadcast advertising rep (Philly market) and an at-home mom, until 2000, when I jumped into the real estate business. Even with all the ups & downs, I've loved this business (& especially my clients) ever since!