Home Buyer Resources
Massillon Real Estate
GETTING READY TO BUY
Purchasing a property is probably one of the biggest financial decisions you will ever make. Regardless of whether you are a first time home buyer or experienced investor, you must make careful decisions throughout the buying process. Below are some things to consider before you buy.
Why Are You Buying?Are you tired of paying expensive rent or simply outgrown your current home? Are you looking for an investment property? Having a clear sense of your “why” behind a new purchase will help you evaluate the right factors and choose the best property.
Are You Ready to Invest?Click here to be connected to our Investment Buyers page.
When you are ready to get started, call us at 330.600.4556 or complete this short form and one of our agents will be in touch.
Get in Touch!
Other things to consider...
Get Your Financials in OrderNow is likely not a good time to make sudden career changes or large purchases. You want to approach your property purchase from a position of financial stability. Large purchases and/or loans can affect your credit and budget in a way that can limit your buying options. Your credit score and debt-to-income ratio will hold a significant impact on the type of property you can buy, your interest rate, etc. We are happy to recommend seasoned, knowledgeable lenders in the residential, commercial and investment real estate fields. When it’s time to make an offer, we believe it’s wise to be fully prepared to close the deal.
PrequalifyPre-qualifying for a loan will help you with the following:
- Finding the ideal price range you can afford
- Determining what your monthly payment will be
- Understanding the different types of loans you qualify for
- Estimating the down payment and closing costs
Tips For Buying
Don’t Max Out Your Budget
Just because you’ve been approved for a max amount, doesn't mean you should spend it all on the home's sale price. You will want to set some of that aside for closing costs, taxes and potential home repairs or remodeling.
Get to Know the Area
Make sure the neighborhood works for you and your family - are you close to schools and is shopping conveniently located?
Don’t Skip the Home Inspection
Inspections are worth their weight in gold and will draw attention to problems you may not otherwise see, giving you peace of mind and letting you make more informed decisions about your purchase.
Get Pre-Approved
Getting pre-approved by a lender lets the seller know you are serious and ready to purchase a home and that you are not just window shopping.
Know what you can live with and what you cannot live without and also those things that can be taken care of with a simple remodel. If you need a 4 bedroom home, don't buy one with 2 that requires a massive addition which can break your budget.
Look at the Age of Appliances and Other SystemsAppliances are some of the most expensive portions of the home and you should pay particular attention to their age and whether they have required service. Other systems to have inspected are your HVAC, hot water heater, and your septic & well, if applicable. You may be able to get the seller to add a home warranty when buying.
Check For HOA RequirementsMost neighborhoods have HOAs that govern what you can and can't do - be sure you know what the rules are for your neighborhood.
