Spring might be considered the most popular home-buying season, but summer is also a great time to look for a home! Sunny days put homes in their best light. Warmer weather makes it easier to check out the neighborhood and nearby attractions. Plus, with the kids out of school, it can be more convenient for families to tour houses and move in the summer months.
If you're thinking about buying a home this summer, here are three tips to help you get started:
1. Create your wish list
A wish list is a key home buying tool. Sit down with your family and make a list with three columns labeled “needs," “wants" and “not important." Needs are the must-haves in your future home, like the number of bedrooms or bathrooms. Wants are the amenities that you'd like to have, but you can live without them. Examples of wants might include new appliances or a large backyard. The last column is for anything that's less important to you, such as a fireplace or basement.
Creating a wishlist will help you determine what's most important to you in a future home. It will also help you save time while house hunting because you can avoid looking at houses that don't fit your wishlist.
2. Explore neighborhoods
When you buy a home, you're also making a commitment to a neighborhood. It pays to do your research before moving forward! Summer is a good time to check out neighborhoods for things like safety, noise and walkability. Since more people are outside enjoying the nice weather, you might even have an opportunity to strike up a conversation with the neighbors.
3. Line up your financing
Preparing your finances early can help speed up the home buying process when you find the right home. Before getting serious about home shopping, consider talking to a trusted mortgage lender to get pre-qualified for a mortgage loan. Getting pre-qualified can help you understand how much of a loan amount you may be eligible for, and give you an idea of a monthly payment to make sure it fits comfortably into your budget. Also, many sellers prefer home buyers who already have financing secured. With a pre-qualification letter in hand, you will feel more confident heading into the summer house-hunting season!
Buying a home can be exciting and intimidating all at once. Wright-Patt Credit Union (WPCU) is here to help! From mortgage pre-qualification to move-in day, we will be with you every step of the way in the home buying process so you can achieve your dream of homeownership. Learn more about our mortgage loans or visit a Member Center to get started today.