New Smyrna Beach Home Buying Tips

When you're buying a house or condo, it's crucial to make smart decisions, financial or otherwise. Here are several home buying tips that you can consult throughout the buying process so that you can transition smoothly to your new home. 

Know Your Credit Score and Mortgage Budget

Stroll into the bank prepared with your credit score. This will go a long way to directing your conversation into one of substance. If you pull your credit reports months before you start your home search, you can pave the way toward the best possible financing rates. 

Using your credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and tax documentation, your mortgage lender will determine your loan amount. Keep in mind, though, that some lenders approve applicants for more than they can truly afford. Determine the mortgage you can afford by drafting a long-term budget. 

Navigate the Sea of Online Listings

Thanks to online real estate services, you can start searching for your dream home across the street or across the country. Start your home search with a general city or town, and then filter down to a neighborhood or condominium community. Stay diligent when browsing the thousands of online listings. Your new dream home is waiting for you to find it. 

Find the Right Realtor

Seeking representation during the home buying process is key. Going at it alone or without the right real estate agent can cost you extra time, money, and stress in the long run. The right professional will help match homes on your wish list and navigate a lengthy contract so you can focus on transitioning to your new home. 

Research an agent thoroughly before choosing one. Look for customer testimonials, credentials, licensing, awards like "Realtor of the Year," and experience in the local real estate market. 

Tour the Neighborhood

Where you're living is important, and the neighborhood and area is all part of your new home. Be sure to tour a neighborhood at different hours of the day to get a complete picture of what life there is like. Visit a neighborhood in the evenings when people are home, and vary the dates and times of your visits. 

Make sure that you know ahead of time whether you want to live along a busy or secluded street, especially if you have children living in your home.

Test a Home during Showings

A home viewing is the time to find out if there are any repairs that need to be made, whether major or minor. Here are a few methods of testing a home that you can use:

• Turn the doorknobs
• Open doors and windows
• Turn on faucets and light switches 
• Look at the roof
• Check for water stains on ceilings

Buying a house or condo is a major investment. Take advantage of home viewings to go over your potential new home with a fine-tooth comb, both inside and out.

Order a Home Inspection

Be sure that the home is in great condition by having it inspected. A trained professional can tell you exactly the shape of the home, whether it looks good on the surface. Home inspectors dissect the interior and exterior of a home and check for the quality of the roof, plumbing, electrical system, heating and cooling system, fireplace, and chimney.  

Offer the Right Price to the Home Seller

You're in the final steps of the home buying process! If everything has gone well, it's time to make an offer to buy your new home. 

It is essential that you offer a price that's fair to you while not insulting the home seller. Take everything about the area, neighborhood, viewing, appraisal, and home inspection into consideration when coming up with the appropriate price. Make sure that both parties can be pleased or make a compromise. 

Buy a Home with Donna Concannon & David Kosmas, NSB Homes

The home buying process is a journey. You don't have to travel alone. If you're considering buying a house or condo in the New Smyrna Beach, FL area, start your search for the home of your dreams. Connect with our experienced real estate team, and we can work together to help you transition to your wonderful New Smyrna Beach home.