2. Real estate remains a bargain in much of the
United States. For many home buyers this is the
ideal time to jump into the housing
market with a long-term
investment strategy.
4. Use a Buyer’s Agent: A buyer’s agent can help
you navigate a rapidly changing marketplace and
let you know how to maximize your real estate
dollar.
5. Get Preapproved for a Mortgage: Sitting down
with a mortgage professional
before you begin your
search will help refine
what you are looking for.
This will allow you to
set your budgets and
narrow your search
criteria. Note that a mortgage prequalification is
not the same as a preapproved mortgage.
6. Make a List of Your Needs and Wants:
Understand what you need and what you want.
Wants are the things you can live without but
you would like. Sitting down with your real
estate agent will help speed up the home-
buying process.
7. Invest for the Long Term: Buying in a down
market offers affordable prices and greater
home selection. Long-term investment in real
estate is the surest way to maximize your initial
investment.
8. Be Patient and Ask Questions: Down markets
allow home buyers to be more patient. Surplus
housing inventory means
that there are fewer
buyers competing for
homes, allowing buyers
to ask questions and
ensure that they are
selecting the home that is
going to be right for them.
9. With real estate bargains in much of the United
States and with market improvement across the
country, this is the ideal time to jump into the
housing market.
