How to Prep Now to Buy a New Home in 2023

As you learned when you purchased your first home, buying a home takes a lot of preparation and planning..Especially when you also have one to sell. It’s important to get your finances in order and other tasks done before you even start house hunting!

Keep in mind that this early stage of the buying process doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time on your part even before we start working together.

That way when you are ready to make your move, you confidently move forward to make that new home you just saw YOURS.

The only way that can happen smoothly is if you do your homework first, so start prepping and planning now if you want to buy a home in the months ahead or even a year from now.

My list below will help you stay on task. You’ll be ready to buy again in no time:

Do Your Homework

Here are some key activities you should do now:

Learn about mortgage options. Do you understand how mortgage rates work, such as fixed rates or ARMS? Do you know about rate buy-downs? Or the difference between a FHA loan and a conventional loan? Learn what’s available now and even the outlook for rates in the coming year so you aren’t overwhelmed or surprised later on. This way you can determine what type of financing will be best for you.

Explore neighborhoods and open houses. Check out certain neighborhoods in terms of cost and features of homes. Internet sites such as Realtor.com or NNEREN.com will include open houses and current listings. Actually walking through homes can help you explore your wants and needs in a more direct manner. Get a better feel on what’s important to you, such as location, large kitchen, backyard, open-concept, or size of rooms. With condos, you’ll also get an idea of monthly HOA fees and amenities in different buildings.

This time spent “scoping out” homes provides a reality check and will make you more efficient when it comes time to really house hunt!

Get Your Finances In Order

Your home is probably THE biggest expense you will ever have in your life. You want to be a responsible buyer so now is the time to focus on your finances. Don’t do anything that could disrupt your good credit!

Know what monthly mortgage payment you can afford.  I have a “Rule of Thumb” when it comes to determining affordability.   For every $10,000 change in price, your payment only changes by about $70/per month.  So, don’t be too tied to the big number, instead focus on what you want to pay per month.  Plus, what a lender says you CAN afford can be very different from what you are willing to spend each month. No one wants to be stretched too much and become “house poor.”

Work backward from your desired monthly payment to calculate the price range you can afford. 

Stay Focused with These 10 Commandments 

You need to avoid some risky actions that could derail your ability to get a mortgage loan.  Ignoring just ONE of these items can ruin your chances for qualifying for the loan you want.

1. Thou shalt not change jobs, become self-employed or quit your job.

2. Thou shalt not buy a car, truck or van (or you may be living in it)!

3. Thou shalt not use charge cards excessively or let your accounts fall behind.

4. Thou shalt not spend money you have set aside for closing.

5. Thou shalt not omit debts or liabilities from your loan application.

6. Thou shalt not buy furniture.

7. Thou shalt not originate any inquiries into your credit.

8. Thou shalt not make large deposits without first checking with your loan officer.

9. Thou shalt not change bank accounts.

10. Thou shalt not co-sign a loan for anyone

As you can see, start planning now if you want to buy a new home sometime in 2023. You’ll be a more informed buyer and borrower, and will be ready to purchase a new home with confidence and less stress!

And, know that I can help cut through the overwhelm, especially after the crazy market we’ve had and the recent rise in interest rates. We can schedule a time to meet and I can walk you through how you can make a new home happen for you, no matter what you think might be an obstacle in your way right now.  I’ve most likely helped a client overcome the same hurdle before and I’d love to help you too.