Home Buying Guide

This is a guide that help you through the process of buying a home. Reading this is your first step to buying a home.

1. Make sure it’s the right time for you.
Forget about market timing, it’s always changing. Is this the right time in your life? Can you afford to buy? If you plan on being somewhere the longterm and you can afford it the time to buy is now.

2. Separate your needs and wants.
Focus on your needs first. Once your needs are satisfied, it’s time to think about what you want.

3. Get yourself a REALTOR.
Seriously, this can be your biggest money saving decision through the entire process. They will protect you from getting ripped off and taken advantage of. They are free when buying a home!

4. Go see some homes.
Take notes and pictures. Evaluate how this home satisfies your needs and wants. Find your home on the Cedar Rapids MLS.

5. Find the best value.
By now you should have a grasp on the current market. Is it still time to buy? Are your needs being met with what you can afford? Homes are always on sale, with a little bit of patience, hardwork, and having the right agent.

6. Write an offer.
Have your agent do a comparable market analysis (CMA) on the property to see if it’s worth the price tag. Your agent will protect you from overpaying for a house and negotiate a solid deal for you.

7. Get a mortgage ASAP
Unless you have the cash you are going to get the financing in place. There are a few things that you need to know about getting a mortgage.

8. Close the deal.
This is where your agent really, really comes in handy. They mediate the entire process and keep the deal together.