It’s amazing what a difference the switch to Daylight Savings Time makes. Not only do days feel longer and the sun higher and brighter… homebuyers have more hours of daylight to search for homes!
If you are thinking about buying this spring, here are three key tips to help you get started…
1. Get pre-approved for financing
Know your pre-approved budget before you start shopping. You don’t want to fall in love with a house only to learn you don’t qualify for financing. Also, you can’t make an offer in the Twin Cities market without a financing pre-approval letter. Again, you don’t want to fall in love with a house only to learn you can’t make an offer because your financing isn’t pre-approved!
2. Know your needs vs your wants
Make a list of what your new home needs to have and stick to it. Don’t waste your time looking at homes that do not fit your needs… and don’t be swayed to consider your wants as needs. If the home that fulfills all your needs also fulfills some of your wants, so much the better!
3. Find a Realtor with the heart of a teacher
In today’s real estate market the process of buying a home can be more complicated than ever. You need someone who can guide you through the process and answer your questions along the way. Your transition will go much smoother if you choose a Realtor you can trust and relate to on both financial and emotional levels… which is a little different for everyone. But how do you find such a Realtor? Here are some tips for choosing a great real estate agent.
Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results – shensrud@homesmsp.com
