5 Home Buying Tips

Time to start thinking about buying or selling a new home. With that in mind, here are 5 Home Buying Tips to help you find your new home.

1. Know What You Want
This should go without saying but some home-buyers forget the type of home that suits them best when they see a fantastic price or a home that shows well but yet may no be practical. Decide ahead of time what you’re looking for whether that’s a new or existing home, a ranch or multistory home.

2. Research, research, research!
With any major purchase, research is vital in today’s economic world. Once you’ve decided what type of home is for you, you’ll need to learn about the different cities, counties, neighborhoods and subdivisions. A great place to start is Dickerson & Nieman's website which has tons of great information about the Rockford real estate market. You’ll also be able to search for all available properties in the MLS.

3. Get Your Finances in Order
Lenders typically say you can afford a house priced two to three times your gross income. But with changes in the economy and lending practices, it’s important to talk to a financial expert that can help guide you through the process. It’s also helpful to get pre-qualified as this makes you more desirable to home sellers.

4. Think Long-Term
Your plans for the future may directly impact the type of home you buy today. For example, are you looking for a starter home with plans to move again in a few years? Or do you hope to stay for 5-10 years or longer? These questions are important when it comes to searching for your new home.

5. Work With a Realtor
It’s important to work with a professional that knows the market and that works to protect you during the home buying process. Find an agent that specializes in buyer representation whose first responsibility is to the buyer unlike the listing agent for a home, whose first duty is to the seller. Contact one of Dickerson & Nieman's real estate agents today.

Dickerson & Nieman is the top real estate brokerage in the Rockford market. Their real estate experts can help you find your next home. Contact us to learn more about Dickerson & Nieman.