Obtain Pre-Approval
While knowing how much you can afford is the first step, sellers will be much more receptive to potential buyers who have been pre-approved. You'll also avoid being disappointed when going after homes that are out of your price range.
With Pre-Approval, the buyer actually applies for a mortgage and receives a commitment in writing from a lender. This way, assuming the home you're interested in is at or under the amount you are pre-qualified for, the seller knows immediately that you are a serious buyer for that property. Costs for pre-approval are generally nominal and lenders will usually permit you to pay them when you close your loan.
Create List of Needs & Wants
Make 2 lists. The first should include items you must have (i.e., the number of bedrooms you need for the size of your family, a one-story house if accessibility is a factor, etc.).
The second list is your wishes, things you would like to have (pool, den, etc.) but that are not absolutely necessary. Realistically for first-time buyers, you probably will not get everything on your wish list, but it will keep you on track for what you are looking for.
Get a Professional
Why is a Professional Agent Important?
Buying and selling real estate is a complex matter. At first it might seem that by checking local picture books or online sites you could quickly find the right home at the right price. But a basic rule in real estate is that all properties are unique. No two properties — even two identical models on the same street — are not precisely nor exactly alike.
Homes differ and so do contract terms, financing options, inspection requirements and closing costs. Also, no two transactions are alike. In this maze of forms, financing, inspections, marketing, pricing and negotiating, it makes sense to work with professionals who know and are experienced in Tulsa County. With over 60 years of experience, we can help guide you through your purchasing decision. Please contact us for more customized information.
How to Select a Professional Realtor?
Across Tulsa County there are hundreds of realty brokerages and real estate agents and brokers and the competition may be intimidating at first.
Many buyers will interview several real estate professionals before selecting one with whom to work and this is a great opportunity to consider such essential qualities like training, experience, representation and professional certifications. Buyers should use all the resources that they have to select their realtor including referrals, the internet, testimonials and regional experience.
Stay Focused
- Maps: One or more detailed maps with your areas of interest highlighted
- Property Files: Saved searches and listings online and a physical file of the properties that your agent has shown to you, along with ads you have cut out from the newspaper
- Documentation Tools: A digital camera or camcorder to help refresh your memory on individual properties, especially if you are attending a series of showings
- Community Information: Town or city guides to cross-reference properties with community details. Look at a potential property as if you are the seller. Would a prospective buyer find it attractive based on school district, crime rate, proximity to positive (shopping, parks, freeway access) and negative (abandoned properties, garbage dump, source of noise) features of the area?
Ready to Start Your Home Buying Journey?
With over 60 years of experience in Tulsa County, we're here to guide you through every step of the home buying process.
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