The turn of the year is a common time for people to set resolutions. If your goal is to buy a house in the coming year, you'll want to find the right real estate professional to guide you through the process. Additionally, you'll want to take these steps immediately to ensure that you're ready to purchase a home. 

What Should You Do if Your New Year’s Goal Is to Buy a House?

1. Determine Your Budget  & Get Pre-Qualified

Before you start your home search, it's wise to meet with a lender to see what you can afford. They will use information about your financial situation, such as your pay stubs, tax returns, and credit history, to get you pre-approved for a mortgage. Then, you can submit the pre-approval letter with your offers to show sellers that you're a strong candidate for a home loan. 

2. Decide on Your Deal Breakers 

House shopping can feel overwhelming since there are so many options to choose from and variables to consider. Simplify your search by deciding on your must-haves for your home. 

For example, many people look for a certain number of bedrooms or bathrooms, a large yard, a particular amount of square footage, or a specific layout. Location, of course, is a major factor that you'll want to consider as well during your search. Settle on your deal-breakers before you start looking to narrow down your options. 

3. Get a Home Inspection 

Once you find a home that you like, get a home inspection during your due diligence period. An inspector can verify that the home's major systems are in good shape and make you aware of any deficiencies. From there, your real estate professional can help you negotiate with the seller to get a price concession or to arrange for repairs. An inspection is a minor investment that can pay off significantly.

If you're ready to enlist a real estate professional for your home search, contact The Waco Starr Team with Long Realty in Tucson, AZ. Their knowledgeable agents consider your preferences, budget, and needs to help you find the ideal home. They can help both buyers and sellers. Learn more about their services online or speak with an agent directly by calling (520) 548-7652.