If you are thinking about buying a house, you are probably eager to meet with a real estate agent and start checking out homes for sale. But there are a few things you should do before that first meeting.
Whether you strictly want to look at DC Ranch homes for sale or are considering other areas of Scottsdale, you’ll benefit from completing these tasks first.
1. Check your credit score. You should look at your credit report at least six months before you start looking for a home to buy. This gives you enough time to fix any issues with your credit so you can start increasing your score if need be. This is important because most home loans require you to a minimum credit score; for example, conventional home loans usually require a score of at least 620, while FHA loans are a bit more lenient, with a minimum of 580. If you don’t meet the minimum score for the type of loan you want, you may have to put more money down or even end up with a higher interest rate.
2. Learn what you can afford. Shortly after you check out your credit report, you should meet with a lender to determine how much you can afford before you start looking at homes for sale in DC Ranch and other areas. Lenders take several factors into account when determining what you can afford, including income, expenses, and credit score.
3. Decide when you want to move. Your real estate agent will need to have some idea of when you plan to buy a home. This is especially important if you have a home you need to stage and sell first, or a lease that requires you to give a certain amount of notice before you move. You should also take into consideration whether it’s the right time for your family to move. This means thinking about school and work locations and schedules, especially if you plan to move far from your current home.
4. Think about the kind of house you want. Make a list of the details you can’t live without. For example, consider the number of bedrooms you need and how many square feet you want. Then make a list of the features it would be nice to have, such as a fireplace, basement, or pool. Your next step should be to consider anything you want to avoid, such as two stories or a tiny kitchen. Be sure to let your real estate agent know these details upfront so he or she can immediately get started looking for homes for sale that meet your criteria.
Once you have completed these steps, you can look forward to checking out homes for sale in DC Ranch and the surrounding area. Contact The Matheson Team as soon as you’re ready to find your dream home!
Don Matheson
Realtor | Founder
The Matheson Team – RE/MAX Fine Properties
21000 N. Pima Rd., #100, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
480-360-0281
don@scottsdalerealestate.com
