As exciting as buying your first home may be, it’s also an enormous project with several critical steps. In addition to finding your dream home and securing a mortgage loan, you’ll also have to take care of a long list of details. While this may seem overwhelming if you’re a first-time home buyer, the process becomes much easier when you understand the key steps. Here are four of the most important parts of the home-buying process.

4 Important Steps Toward Buying a Home

1. Set a Budget

Before you even start browsing listings or attending your first open house, it’s important to know how much you can afford to spend. Setting a firm budget will help narrow your options and simplify the search process. It will also save time, as you're less likely to be tempted to place bids that are unlikely to receive financing approval.

2. Get Pre-Qualified for a Mortgage Loan

Applying for a mortgage loan after finding the house you want is stressful, with potential pitfalls that could derail the sale. Pre-qualification gets the most difficult part of buying a home out of the way and lets sellers know that your offer is serious.

3. Figure Out Your Priorities

Almost every home purchase involves making some compromises, but it can be easy to get swept up in the moment and make an offer you might regret later. Before searching for homes, figure out which features you absolutely have to have (such as a second floor or a basement), and which ones you might be willing to compromise on.

4. Find the Right Real Estate Agent

Online listings give you access to thousands of homes, but a professional real estate agent can help narrow the field and focus on properties that are right for you. They’ll also represent your interests in negotiation and guide you through the rest of the process.

If you’re hoping to buy a home anywhere in the Ford City, PA, area, Armstrong County Building & Loan Association will deliver the financing and friendly service you need. They’ve served hopeful homeowners for over 90 years and will make qualifying for your mortgage loan as easy and stress-free as possible. Visit their website to learn more about their lending services, or call (724) 763-7137 to speak with a loan officer today.