So, you’ve decided to buy a home in southern NH – congratulations, you’ve made the right choice!   The Granite State has much to offer its residents, but purchasing a new home can be a daunting process.  Here are a few tips that could help alleviate some of the stress and make your home purchase an enjoyable experience.

AGENT:  Finding an experienced real estate agent you can trust is probably the most important step in finding your perfect home.  A trusted agent will have answers to all your questions, show you the properties YOU’RE interested in and will treat you with respect.  The agent works for you, not the other way around and Jim Miller is that agent.  He has all the up-to-date New Hampshire MLS and knows the area like no other.  Call Jim today at (603) 801-3987 for more information.

COMMUNICATE:  Discuss your wants and needs with your trusted real estate agent, let them know your desires and fears surrounding a new home purchase.  Be honest and completely up front with your priorities.  Listen to their advice – you may have bought a home in the past, but they do it every day.  They will help the process move along smoothly and help you find the home you’ve always dreamed of.

LENDER:  Before house shopping begins, it’s important to contact a lending institution.  Knowing your financial limitations is crucial to finding the southern NH home that’s right for you and will allow you to make offers with confidence.

SPENDING:  While searching for a home it is a good idea to limit your spending and keep a close eye on your credit report.  Be sure to pay all your bills on time and wait, if possible, to make any large purchases until after the house is yours.

LISTS:  Create a list of the qualities your feel your home “must-have”, who you must call (insurance, mortgage company, utilities), the order in which you must get things done, etc.  Your agent can help you with these lists as well as answer questions regarding priorities and countless other aspects of the purchasing process that you may not have thought of.

FLEXIBILITY:  It’s important to be flexible in scheduling viewing times – nice homes don’t stay on the market long and if you can’t fit in a viewing time, you may lose the house.  And unless a squeaky-clean home is one of your top priorities, don’t let something like a dirty floor be a deal-breaker; it can always be cleaned up.  Flexibility is also important in negotiating the final cost of your new home - this is not the time to play games.  Fair offers are critical if you want to be taken seriously.  Again, refer to your trusted agent for the fair market value of the home you’re interested in.

INSPECTION:  A sale can be contingent on a home inspection, but even if it’s not, you should probably have the home on which you’re making an offer inspected.  The cost is usually under $400 and can save you thousands down the road.

MORTGAGE PROCESS:  It is vitally important to stay on top of the mortgage application process.  There will be a great deal of paperwork required on your part including, but not limited to, names, addresses and account balances for your checking and savings accounts, car loans, credit cards (or credit lines), student loans and any additional financial records you have.  They will also require information about any stocks and bonds, car titles, life insurance policies or any other assets you may own.  Have these documents handy and be ready to present them as soon as they’re requested.

Buying a home in southern NH can be an exhilarating and satisfying experience as long as you’re properly prepared.  The first step is calling Jim Miller RE/MAX Country Properties at (603) 801-3987.  Jim will allay all your fears and guide you through the process with years of real estate experience at his disposal.  Call today for a no-obligation discussion about what Jim Miller can do for you.