While the prospect of homeownership is exciting, the process it takes to get there can be a bit overwhelming. There are a number of steps involved in purchasing a property, but it’s the first few that will prepare you to be successful in your quest to find the perfect house for sale.

As one of the leading real estate agents in Waterloo, IL, RE/MAX First Choice–JoAnn Meier understands the home buying process. She uses her industry expertise to help clients transition through the different stages as they work to achieve their goal of closing on a house for sale.

Below are the first three steps she says you’ll need to focus on before you can begin house-hunting:

• Plan Your Budget: Determining how much you can afford is essential. You must have a clear understanding of what you will be able to pay for a mortgage each month, as well as insurance and all other costs associated with homeownership. This is vital in making sure you don’t get in over your head.

• Get Pre-Approved for a Loan: Your second priority should be to get pre-approved for a loan. Pre-approval goes one step further than getting pre-qualified, allowing you to know exactly how big of a loan you qualify for. This will make it easier to find a house for sale in the right price range and show sellers that you’re ready to commit to an offer.
• Hire a Real Estate Agent: Hiring an experienced real estate agent will come next. The knowledge of an agent is invaluable as you get ready to make the biggest investment of your life. They will ease much of the stress that comes with searching for homes, scheduling showings, putting in an offer, negotiating, and closing the deal. 

Once you’ve completed each of these steps, you’ll be ready to forge ahead and start looking at houses for sale. Contact RE/MAX First Choice–JoAnn Meier at (618) 939-6003, or visit her website to browse current real estate listings.