What to Discuss with a Real Estate Agent for a Home Purchase

Purchasing a home for the first time can be quite a milestone in your life, stepping into personal independence. But whether a person is a first-time homeowner or not, there are always a few things to talk about with a professional real estate agent before making an offer on a house.

An agent can be an invaluable asset when researching a new home and understanding what you’re getting into. Plus, having a little back-and-forth discussion can be a surefire way of getting the property that you’re looking for. Many questions can be answered by a real estate agent during the home buying process. 

Here are the main points to talk about with a real estate agent regarding your home purchase:

1) Pre-Qualification for Prices

The first thing to talk about with a real estate agent is pre-qualifying for the house you’d like to purchase. Pre-qualifying is the first step in acquiring a mortgage, and it requires having a basic credit check.

The credit check proves that you can make the payments and show some assets to back up this decision. The home you want to buy will likely be the biggest purchase in your life, so it’s important to know that you can afford it before you start putting in offers.

2) Upgrade Opportunities

Once you’re qualified for the price of the house, you can start looking for the specifics. The more you know about the home you’d like to buy, the more specific you can be in your offer. For instance, affordable upgrade opportunities can be pretty good to have.

Take a look at what upgrades you’d like to make to the property, such as the countertops, cabinets, paint color, flooring, etc. Every property needs a little love and care, so figuring out what upgrades you’d like to do can help you narrow down your offer.

3) Potential for Long-Term Plans

Consider your long-term plans for the house. Are you planning on moving in with your partner? Do you plan on having a family? Do you have pets that may need a good-sized yard? Is there a neighborhood you’d like to be in and a school district you’d like to be in? 

Be honest and talk to your agent about your expectations for the property. A good real estate agent will help you figure out what you want, and they’ll also help you find a place that perfectly fits your standards.

4) Absence of Damages

Before putting in an offer on any property, an inspection should be done. It’s always good to know what you’re getting into without any hidden surprises. An inspector will look at the house and be able to tell you about the overall condition of the inside and outside.

If there are zero or many issues with the property, the inspector will be able to point them out to you and your real estate agent. The good news is that you can negotiate with the seller to make any repairs needed before making the purchase.

Conclusion

Buying a house can be a very exciting time in your life. From the first day of touring homes to the final day of moving in, it’s an adventure. Just make sure to talk to a real estate agent when figuring out the best home for you and your needs.

Trying to buy a home in Cameron Park? Whether you’re buying or selling your home, Folsom Realty agents are prepared to put you first and offer the right advice for your situation in the Greater Folsom Lake area. Get in touch with us today!