Be Ready to Bid
Take It And Run:
Ilyce's Corner
By Ilyce Glink for Right at
Home Daily
When shopping for a home in a hot seller's market,
it's important to move quickly when you spot a good deal. But if you don't know
how much you can afford, where you want to live, and what
your "must have" items are, you may see that home slip away to another,
better prepared, buyer.
First, get pre-approved for your mortgage. The
lender will tell you how much you can afford based on what your salary, debt,
and how much you have available for your down payment and closing costs.
Next, thoroughly investigate your prospective neighborhoods.
Visit local shops, schools, figure out commuting and transportation routes,
and walk the streets. If you don't love the neighborhood, you'll never love
living there.
Finally, it's nice to know what you "want" in
a home, but it's more important to know what you can't live without.
Write down these "must have" items and cross off any house that doesn't
meet your needs.
