Navigating the home-buying process as a first-time buyer can be daunting. However, having the right tools and resources can be an exciting and rewarding experience.

Ultimately, the smartest home buyers will take their time to understand their finances and needs before starting the house hunt. They will also be prepared to get pre-approved for a mortgage.

Get Pre-Approved

Getting pre-approved for a home loan is an important step before shopping. It shows sellers you are a serious buyer and helps narrow your search to affordable homes. It also gives you a competitive edge over other buyers and can speed up the closing process.

Depending on your lender, you may be asked to provide documents such as your social security number, pay stubs, bank statements, and W2s or tax returns. If you are applying with a co-applicant, they may also be required to provide their financial information.

You can get pre-approved for a home loan from multiple lenders, so it is a good idea to shop around for the best rates and fees. The best time to get pre-approved is about a year before purchasing a home.

.Getting pre-approved for a home mortgage will require you to provide financial documentation and an inquiry on your credit report, which can lower your credit score temporarily. However, the benefits of pre-approval typically outweigh the negative effects. If your credit score takes a hit, it is always possible to repair or improve it later.

Find a Real Estate Agent

A real estate agent is a critical asset in the home-buying process. They can find homes for rent, like homes in Raleigh, NC for rent that fit your budget and negotiates the best price.

Many rely on referrals from friends and family to find the right real estate agent. A good referral should come from a trustworthy source, have a game plan for your home sale or purchase, have extensive knowledge about the local housing market, and have excellent negotiating skills.

You can also find an agent by contacting your local realtor’s association or real estate licensing entity. These organizations can recommend agents in your area and help you determine their experience level, track record of success, and how they represent their clients.

A veteran agent can make the home-buying process easier and less stressful, and they have much local knowledge about the housing market. They know how interest rates change, which properties are set to grow in value, and what you can expect to pay in property taxes.

Before you choose an agent, interview several in person and get a feel for whether they’re a good fit for you. It would help if you asked questions about their commission rate, how they price homes, and what kinds of data they use to determine a listing price for your home.

Shop the Lender

A first-time homebuyer should shop the lender — that is, get multiple mortgage quotes — to ensure they get the best rate. A study by Freddie Mac shows that buyers who shop around for their loan can save an average of $1,000 over the life of the mortgage.

Before you begin looking for a home, setting a budget based on your income and savings is a good idea. This will give you a clear picture of how much you can spend on a new place and how much room you have to adjust.

Getting your credit score in order is also a good idea, which can help you avoid predatory lenders and loans with bad terms. To do this, get copies of your credit reports from the three major credit bureaus and dispute any errors that might hurt your score.

In addition, it’s a good idea to meet with a few different mortgage lenders to compare their services and products. The lenders will review your financial history — including your debt-to-income ratio and assets — to determine if you are a good candidate for a home loan and what you can afford.

When you find a home you like, negotiate a price with the seller. In a competitive market, you may have to pay more than the house is listed for to get it. But it’s a good idea to stick with your budget and not be pressured to buy a home that’s out of your reach.

Make an Offer

If you’ve found a home you love, your next step is to make an offer. It’s a big deal, and it can be a nerve-wracking experience. However, with a few tips, you can easily navigate the home-buying process as a first-time buyer.

Start by defining your homeownership goals. This will help you determine what you need from a house and when it’s the right time to purchase. Do you want more space for your growing family? Or is it critical that the home is close to your job?

After deciding on your goals, it’s important to create a budget. This will help you decide how much you can spend on a house and ensure you’re not overspending in the real estate market.

Once you’ve created a budget, you can begin shopping for homes in your price range. Whether it’s through a real estate agent or online, take your time and search for homes that meet your needs.

When you find a home you like, make an offer that meets your price range and is competitive. Your offer should include a down payment or earnest money deposit, which shows the seller that you’re serious about the house and will pay for it upfront.

You’ll also want to include contingencies, such as a home inspection and appraisal, in your offer. You can even include an escalation clause, which lets the seller know that you’ll pay a certain amount more than your initial offer if another buyer outbids you.