How To Buy a House

How To Buy a HouseYou might think buying a house is as simple as finding a home you want and putting in an offer. But it's really so much more than that. Homebuying starts far before the actual offer. It even starts before looking at homes. But, you've probably already started to look at homes and that's natural. It's exciting and sometimes that's where the entire prospect of moving into a new home starts. You might not even be thinking about moving until you find an amazing house and then the real work begins.

What is the first thing you should do before looking at homes (or even if you've already started)

One of the very first things you should do is think about financing. Are you buying a house with all cash? Financing it? Not sure? Need to sell a house before buying another? All of these questions need to be answered before settling on a home. It's important to know how you're going to pay for the house before you actually make an offer. Sellers want to know you are serious about buying and that means knowing your financial status and doing your financial homework ahead of time.

Get preapproved

Getting preapproved is the first step when financing a new house. This is not simply using a mortgage calculator to find out how much your monthly mortgage payment will be or the price range in which you should start looking. Getting preapproved is different than a simple prequalification. You might have great credit and can afford a certain amount each month, but without sitting down with the lender and getting numbers in writing, you may not qualify when the time comes.

Getting preapproved means finding a lender either a credit union, mortgage advisor, or your bank, and presenting all of your financial documents including proof of income, debts, liabilities, assets, and downpayments. From there, a lender will be able to determine how much of your income can be utilized for mortgage payment. This will be calculated to find out exactly how much home you can afford. This will give you the price range in which to start looking. Once you are preapproved, your lender can offer a letter of preapproval which can be submitted with the offer stating that you've already done the financial homework necessary and can actually afford the home you're making an offer on.

Use your own agent.

We cannot stress this enough. While you can buy a house from just about anyone including the seller, no one is representing you except for a buyer's agent. An agent that is solely on your side, working on your behalf, making sure your needs and terms are met, is crucial to the home buying process and really getting what you want. If you conduct a transaction with just the seller or even to the listing agent, you are not the priority… The seller is. A buyer's agent makes the buyer the priority. They work only for the buyer and make sure the buyer's needs and rights are protected and the best part about it, a buyer's agent costs a buyer nothing. It's completely free to use your own agent. The agent will receive part of a commission from whichever home you buy so it really benefits you to have your own agent and representation throughout the process.

Start looking at homes.

Yes, it really isn't till about now that you should look at homes. But we know, you've probably looked at them for a while now and have narrowed down a few that you like. Depending on the market, you may need to jump on a listing quickly, or you might have some time to think about it but your buyer's agent will be able to tell you the current market climate and how you should make an offer and win.

Make sure you know what you want.

One of the most frustrating things in agent hears from a buyer is "I'm not sure what I want but I'll know it when I see it". This could literally mean any house. Let's start with the basics:How To Buy a House

  • How Big?
  • How Many Bedrooms and Bathrooms?
  • Fenced?
  • Two Story or One?
  • Yard?
  • Acreage?
  • Condo?
  • Low Maintenance?
  • Schools?
  • Amenities?
  • Gated?

You can see that this list could be exhaustive but if we start here, we have a better idea of what it is that you're looking for and can start sending you properties that might meet your search criteria. From there, take a look at a few of them, drive by, see if you like the neighborhood or commutes, and then when you're ready, schedule a showing to see more.

Buying a house is really exciting and there are a lot of steps to buying a house but with a buyers agent, you can sail through these steps with ease and confidence. Buyer's remorse is a real thing and we don't want you regretting your decision so using an agent that is familiar with the market, understands the process, and can hold your hand and guide you throughout the entire transaction means that you won't have to worry about buyer's remorse. Welcome home!


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Browse the Area's Newest Listings - Less than 3 days on the market September 23, 2023
420
Listed
2
Avg. DOM
$207.97
Avg. $ / Sq.Ft.
$342,450
Med. List Price
420 Properties
Page 1 of 27
$235,900
Neighborhood: Cradock
3
Beds
1F11/2
Baths
1,160
Sq.Ft.
1919
Year Built
1
Day on Site
10504011
MLS
Historic Craddock Cottage...Fully renovated in 2021 with New Roof, HVAC, LVP flooring, Carpet, refinished walls, new paint, granite kitchen countertops, new cabinets, new vanities, and SS appliances,...
$340,000
Neighborhood: Beaver Dam
3
Beds
2F11/2
Baths
1,796
Sq.Ft.
1987
Year Built
1
Day on Site
10504165
MLS
Wonderful opportunity to own a home in historic Gloucester Courthouse! Don't miss out on this well maintained 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home conveniently located between Main Street and Beaverdam Park....
$549,000
Neighborhood: Brittany Farms
5
Beds
4
Baths
3,780
Sq.Ft.
1987
Year Built
1
Day on Site
10471033
MLS
2-story brick colonial located in sought after N Suffolk, nestled in the rear of Brittany Farms on a cul de sac. House sits on the bluff, offering vast views of the marsh and Bennetts Creek. Deep...
$145,000
Neighborhood: Plymouth Park
3
Beds
1
Baths
1,014
Sq.Ft.
1960
Year Built
1
Day on Site
10504326
MLS
Come tour this charming brick ranch-style home available for sale in its current "as-is" condition. Nestled in a peaceful and established neighborhood, this property exudes timeless appeal and...
$295,000
Neighborhood: Camelot Village
3
Beds
1F11/2
Baths
1,667
Sq.Ft.
1963
Year Built
2
Days on Site
10504023
MLS
3 Bed 1.5 Bath Ranch with gorgeous original wood floors, updated kitchen and fixtures. This is truly a turn key home and is ready for you! Don't miss the detached garage with workshop and large...
$544,500
Neighborhood: Castleton
4
Beds
2F11/2
Baths
2,210
Sq.Ft.
2001
Year Built
2
Days on Site
10504122
MLS
Come see this fully remodeled, 4 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom, home in a sought after Castleton neighborhood. Fresh paint, new flooring, new fixtures, fully remodeled bathrooms and kitchen equipped with...
$695,000
Neighborhood: Oceans Condominium
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,402
Sq.Ft.
1975
Year Built
2
Days on Site
10503965
MLS
Beach living at its finest! Situated on the premiere northeast corner of the coveted 11th floor, this fully move-in ready condo boasts spectacular ocean views from almost every room and both...
$689,000
Neighborhood: Riverwalk
4
Beds
3F11/2
Baths
4,000
Sq.Ft.
1993
Year Built
2
Days on Site
10504160
MLS
Discover your dream home in the heart of Riverwalk! This elegant 4-bed, 3.5-bath brick home boasts approximately 4,000 sq ft of luxurious living space. Each bedroom is ensuite with full bath! The...
$415,000
Neighborhood: Ballentine Place
5
Beds
2
Baths
3,032
Sq.Ft.
1952
Year Built
2
Days on Site
10504171
MLS
Welcome to a stunning 5 bedroom handicap accessible home on about an acre of land. A roll-in shower is easily accessible and convenient for everyone. Experience the joy of cooking in a brand new...
$230,000
Neighborhood: Pine Cone Harbor
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,454
Sq.Ft.
1987
Year Built
2
Days on Site
10503713
MLS
Come see this one! Upgraded kitchen with granite and newer cabinetry stainless appliance package. New flooring throughout. Second floor unit overlooking the marsh and all the wildlife it houses...
$1,200,000
Neighborhood: Ocean Park
3
Beds
2
Baths
2,500
Sq.Ft.
1950
Year Built
2
Days on Site
10504175
MLS
Extremely rare opportunity for Developers, Investors and Home Owners to purchase 2 side by side Direct Bay Front Lots in Ocean Park. Stunning water views with direct access to the beach. Tons of...
$699,000
Neighborhood: Kingsmill
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,448
Sq.Ft.
1986
Year Built
2
Days on Site
10503548
MLS
Stunning 4 bed, 3 bath, 2400+ sf home underwent a complete renovation in 2020 perfectly blending clean & contemporary elements with timeless Williamsburg elegance. Breathtaking great room features a...
$255,000
Neighborhood: Runnymede
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,088
Sq.Ft.
1965
Year Built
2
Days on Site
10503847
MLS
Come take a peek at this adorably spacious 3 bedroom, 2 full bathroom, move-in ready ranch with huge fenced in yard, cozy sunroom, patio in the backyard, large attached garage, and so much more! The...
$325,000
Neighborhood: Lake Toano Estates
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,511
Sq.Ft.
1982
Year Built
2
Days on Site
10504034
MLS
This charming country cottage is situated on over an acre of land, providing ample privacy and space. The home boasts new carpet and newer LVP flooring throughout. The combined family and dining room...
$460,000
Neighborhood: Brandywyne
3
Beds
3F11/2
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2,193
Sq.Ft.
2005
Year Built
2
Days on Site
10504000
MLS
One of only a few select properties in the community looking to the bird sanctuary/green space. Enjoy your screen porch with privacy. This well-maintained, low maintenance home is ready for you to...
$359,000
Neighborhood: Steeplechase
4
Beds
2F11/2
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1,558
Sq.Ft.
1999
Year Built
2
Days on Site
10504179
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Come check out this amazing 4 bedroom 2.5 bath home on a corner lot. This home features a large eat-in kitchen that is open to the family room with a gas fireplace. A large master bedroom with...
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