Buyer's Guide
From developing your budget to signing your name on the dotted line, learn more about the home buying process.
Buying a home can be one of the most exciting experiences of your life. This can be true whether you’ve purchased several homes or you’re preparing to buy for the first time. With the right support system and the help of a trusted RE/MAX professional, you can make the most informed decisions.
This guide breaks down the steps of buying a home so you can start the process feeling confident and prepared. From developing your budget to signing your name on the dotted line, you’ll find helpful tips right here. Plus,we are here to help every step of the way.
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Define your goals
Before you start looking, consider why you want to buy a home. Are you tired of renting? Do you want to buy an investment property? Figuring out why you want to purchase a home will help you make important decisions down the road. Considering what you want and need out of your home will help you narrow down your home search as well. What neighborhood do you want to live in? How many bedrooms do you need? Knowing your preferences can help with filtering out homes that don't fit your criteria.
WHAT EVERY BUYER
SHOULD KNOW
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Property taxes and qualified home interest are deductible on an individual’s federal income tax return in most cases.
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Many times, a home is the largest asset an individual has and is considered one of the safest investments available.
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A homeowner can exclude up to $500,000 of capital gains if married filing jointly or up to $250,000 if single or married filing separately. The home must have been the taxpayer’s principal residence for two of the last five years.
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A portion of each amortized mortgage payment goes toward the principal, which is an investment.
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A home is one of the few investments you can enjoy by living in it!
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The majority of the time, a REALTOR® can show you any home, whether it is listed with a company or a builder or is even a For Sale By Owner.
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Working with a REALTOR® to purchase a For Sale By Owner property is very advantageous, because someone will be looking out for your best interests.
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Getting pre-qualified by a mortgage company will actually approve you for a specific loan amount subject to the property. This will give you confidence and will help when negotiating with the seller.
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The right to conduct a property inspection, included in your purchase agreement, gives you the ability to negotiate with the seller once you know all the facts about the property’s condition.
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In a “seller’s market,” don’t go looking for a deal. Set your sights on the right house for you, and then let your REALTOR help you negotiate the best price and terms.