Making an offer on a home can feel incredible, especially if it’s the first time you’ve done it.  You may feel tempted to pop some bottles of champagne and get into celebrating: but it’s not that simple!  The following are the steps that lead up to putting in an offer and how you can ensure you get the best deal possible.

Get Preapproved For Your Loan

Before you even look at your first home, you should be punching all of your information into a house payment calculator.  How much home can you even afford?  You should know before you start daydreaming about large, expensive homes on sprawling lawns.  Apply for loans and grants that you’re eligible for, and then keep your calm until you get approved.  Your loan is a loose guideline, don’t go into this wanting to spend to the upper limit: that will make your house poor in no time.

Find The Perfect Place

Look around at the homes in your area, and consider your needs and wants.  How much space do you need, what appliances and perks do you need in your home.  Also, consider what you want!  Do you want a pool in the backyard, but you can live without it?  Keep it in mind as you look. It’s okay to consider all of your options.

Ensure You Have The Downpayment Already

A down payment in recent years ranges from six to twelve percent of your total home value.  That might sound like a small percentage, but it adds up quickly. So ensure that you have this ready to put down, and if you don’t: apply for whatever grants you can find that will help you afford it!  Most first-time homebuyers qualify for some assistance, don’t pass up this help.

Do Your Research

Look at the homes around your chosen one, and consider their value, how quickly they’re selling, and what condition they’re in.  It may feel weird to break it down like this the first couple of times, but eventually, you’ll be able to stop an overpriced home, or a suspiciously underpriced home, at a moment’s notice.

Negotiate

Reach out to the seller, and give them an offer even lower than what you’re willing to pay.  This gives them room to play and make a counteroffer.  Ensure that you point out important things, like any flaws with the property or other issues you need to know you noticed.  They should evade back with a response and an adjusted price; it’s your job to keep going until either one of you gives up or you get to a price you’re comfortable with.

Use The Professionals You Have

You don’t have to do this alone!  Real estate agents and realtors can go over every step with you and help build a process that goes smoothly from start to finish.  You may not think you can handle all of this, but once you’re in motion, it’s easier than you can believe.  The highs and lows of buying a home are intense, which is why you should seek out help at least the first time you do it.