Once you’ve saved up and are ready to settle down, you might be eager to dive into the homebuying process. However, there are many tasks to attend to and tips you should learn before you buy a house. If you want to find the ideal piece of real estate, study these three pointers.

3 Facts to Know Before You Buy a House

1. Getting Approved for a Mortgage

If you aren’t the only one to stumble upon your dream home, you may be in competition with other buyers in the weeks ahead. However, you can make your offer stand out by getting pre-approved by a mortgage lender.

The lender provides documentation that states they will offer the loan should you buy the property. When you deliver this document to the seller, along with your offer, they will be much more inclined to move forward with you. 

2. Scheduling a Home Inspection

Once you have your prospective home inspected, it could make or break your opinion of the property. For example, the current owners may have not been aware of the attic termite infestation or the black mold inside of the basement wall. Only through a professional inspection will you get the full, accurate picture.

If you’re still interested, you might be able to negotiate a lower price with the seller, as you’ll have to take care of the renovations or repairs. Or, you may be able to have them take care of the issue before closing the deal. Either way, a thorough home inspection is crucial to every sale.

3. Hiring a Lawyer

While not legally required, it may serve you well to work with a lawyer when buying a home. A real estate attorney could help you settle disputes with the seller, such as negotiating repairs or discounts following the home inspection.

They could also help settle conflicts with the home’s title, such as if there’s a lien against the property. If you’re purchasing the property with a spouse, a family lawyer could offer advice regarding ownership—as in, who the property would belong to in a potential divorce.

If you’re hoping to buy a house in the Old Forge, NY, area, you can find guidance from Herron Realty. They serve clients throughout the Central Adirondack region of Upstate New York, whether they’re looking for residential or commercial real estate. They can sort through a wide array of listings and show you the properties that will meet your needs and satisfy your vision. To learn more about their services, visit the website or call (315) 369-6910.