Buying a home in Texas can be quite a daunting task primarily due to the availability of various kinds of houses: from condos in Dallas to apartments in Frisco, there is an immense supply of everything. Thus, it is important to take utmost care while selecting your dream house, and know exactly what to look for.
Here are some tips to help you with the purchase of your dream home.
1. Be updated with all financial matters
Make yourself aware of all the costs related to the house purchase including the mortgage costs. Also, some sellers ask for bank statements to know if you can actually afford the house that you are looking for, or sometimes even if you are a cash buyer. Thus, you should keep your statements handy at all times.
2. Find the right agent
You must pair with the right agent for finding the right property. A right agent is the one who knows about every property in your chosen locality in detail, has testified reviews, has a good network of peers and home sellers, and also has a verified website. You should also ensure that the agent keeps all your personal details confidential. Your agent is also aware of new construction happening in your chosen locality because everyone does not want to move into an old house.
3. Understand your need
Even if you find the best agent, he would not be able to choose the house for you. You must identify your tastes and lifestyle needs by asking yourself some questions like-
- Do I want to stay in Allen or McKinney?
- Are there good schools in the neighborhood?
- What kind of property will be the best for me and my family?
- Which property suits my taste?
- Which property meets the quality of life that I’m looking for?
4. Be patient and take your time
Take time to decide where exactly you want to live, because you do not buy a house again and again. There is a difference between living in Prosper and living in Plano, and thus you do not want to take a hasty decision and repent later. You also need to take time to estimate your budget properly and look for a property accordingly, so that you don’t get disappointed later by getting a feeling that you can’t afford your dream home.
5. Look beyond the pictures
Don’t get carried away by beautiful pictures of a house. Some sellers hire professional photographers to click pictures of their houses in such a way that they look bigger and more luxurious. You must have a look at the house and its neighbouring areas in person, and you should also visit it at different times of the day.
6. Focus on the Documentation
You must keep a track of all the documents required, including the financial documents from your bank. There is a lot of scrutiny in the high-end market, and especially if you are buying a luxury home, you should be careful that you have all your documents in place. It is important to know that if you are not a cash buyer, then you must take a pre-approval from your lender, and for that, you would need to hand over your tax returns for the last 2 years, bank statements, as well as proof of employment.
7. Familiarise yourself with the neighborhood
Make yourself aware of the areas around your house, and also be aware of the construction work happening near it. You do not want to be surprised by a new building obstructing the beautiful view for which you bought the home in the first place.
8. Check all titles
Check the developer’s titles, the property titles, land papers, approvals, floor plans, and all other necessary licenses associated with the property. Make sure that everything is in compliance with the law, and that all the important property documents are in place. Moreover, ensure that the seller pays for the home warranty which would cover all the household items for one year after the period of the sale.
9. Get the house inspected
You must hire a professional home inspector to get every nook and corner of the house inspected. This is important not just to know about the current problems in the house, but also to know about the future repairs and maintenance that the house may require.
10. Remember to negotiate
Buying a house is expensive, and sellers can sometimes command an unreasonable price too. Make yourself aware of the prices in the neighborhood for similar houses, and negotiate the deal to get the best price for yourself.
Always remember- There is only one dream home!