Re/Max Masterpiece Realty
Joffre Navas, Re/Max Masterpiece RealtyPhone: (772) 201-2392
Email: [email protected]

Key steps to becoming a smart homebuyer

by Joffre Navas 03/25/2018

Key steps to becoming a smart homebuyer featured image with two people shaking hands

Going into the housing market to search for a home to purchase can seem intimidating. The market is constantly changing, so preparing ahead of time is key. Taking the right steps can put you ahead of the competition and land you your dream home. 

Check your credit score

If you’re planning to apply for a mortgage loan, it’s crucial to check your credit score to make sure it’s in great shape. Mortgage lenders use this score to get an idea of your debt history, so they can determine if you qualify for their loan. 

On average, a score of 620 is reasonable enough to qualify for a loan, however, this score may make you subject to higher interest rates. A score of around 720 or higher, however, can get you a lower interest rate on your loan, which can save you thousands of dollars during the loan’s lifespan. 

When you check your credit score, keep an eye out for outstanding debts and credit errors. Credit errors can bog down your score, and catching them early can help restore your credit. 


Get preapproved for a home loan

Before you start searching for homes, it’s a great idea to get preapproved for a home loan. Preapproval can help you to better visualize your budget, which helps greatly in narrowing your home search. Often, pre-qualification precedes the preapproval process. And while a pre-qualification letter is excellent, obtaining a solid preapproval letter shows that you and the lender have been working together and come to an agreement, versus just taking the first steps as in a pre-qualification letter.


Hire a real estate agent

Yes, you can search for homes online, but having a qualified real estate agent by your side can help to expedite the process. With their expertise, they can help you to better understand the market in the area you’re searching for a home in and can advocate on your behalf to get the best deal.  

About the Author
Author

Joffre Navas

Knowledge and Experience You Can Count On! For most families the decision to buy a home or sell their home is an exciting and complex adventure that involves a lot of preparation and work. It can also be very time-consuming and costly if you're not familiar with all aspects of buying or selling a home. I can provide you with the best information and resources to help make this experience an enjoyable one. One of my specialties is representing the best interests of St. Lucie County and Martin County FL areas.

My comprehensive, high-quality services can save you time and money, as well as making the experience more enjoyable and less stressful. I have lived in St Lucie County for almost two decades and with over 20 years of experience as a local market expert, I can help you make the most informed decision. Whether you're buying a starter home, your dream home,an investment property, or selling your largest financial asset, I know how to handle every aspect of the buying and selling process. I can strategically market and showcase your home to find you the best deal in this market.

My top priority is to provide you with comprehensive, high-quality service. So when you decide to buy or sell your home, please contact me and let's get started! The secret to the success of Keller Williams is in the quality of its people and the relationships that they have with the communities they serve. Customers appreciate the depth and expanse of local knowledge the company’s career-oriented agents work hard to maintain. The company focus has expanded to offer our clients a full spectrum of real estate related services.