5 Tips to Make Home-buying a Breeze This Summer

Summertime is one of the busiest seasons for buying and selling homes. People take advantage of favorable weather conditions, and curb appeal is much more attractive when the grass is green and flowers are in full bloom.

If you’re looking to buy a home this summer, preparing early is key. You should know what makes your dream home stand out, how to negotiate with sellers, and how to find the best mortgage loans available. Here are five useful tips to help you land the perfect home.

1. Start by considering your needs.

Before searching through listings or negotiating with mortgage lenders, take some time to think about what you and your family are looking for. Are you interested in a townhouse in the suburbs or an apartment closer to the city? Do you prefer a quiet neighborhood or a lively one? These are all decisions that will affect your search for a home. Once you find out what you want, you can narrow down your options and have an easier time when making a final decision.

2. Understand the local market.

Properties that are hot and highly priced in one area may be unpopular and underpriced in others. Therefore, it helps to understand current market trends and the general price of various types of homes. This basic knowledge will help you identify overpriced or underpriced properties so you can make a timely and fair bid. For example, sellers who initially overprice their homes may end up reducing the price after 1-2 months. Keeping an eye on such properties may result in a better deal.

3. Get mortgage pre-approval.

As you begin your search for available properties, now is a good time to think about your mortgage options. Getting preapproved for a mortgage is an excellent way of knowing what you can afford. But, don't simply look for a home that's equivalent to your pre-approved mortgage amount. Instead, use this amount as a guideline during your search.

4. Check out potential neighborhoods.

When looking for a home, take advantage of the beautiful summer weather to do some in-person neighborhood research. Walk around the neighborhood during different hours of the day to get a real sense of what living there is like. Are there kids playing outside? How's the traffic? Is it too loud at night? All these factors may influence the home you finally decide to purchase.

5. Look for a flexible lender.

Finally, choosing the right mortgage lender will be important for a successful home purchase. You need a lender who is flexible and understands your current financial situation. Clark County Credit Union provides many different mortgage options for buyers. Whether you're a first-time buyer looking for a fixed mortgage rate or a veteran looking for a VA loan, CCCU has you covered. Our loan options are designed to match your budget and meet your goals.

If you wish to enjoy a stable interest rate, a predictable monthly payment amount, and a lower likelihood of foreclosure, check out our mortgage loan options today or call us at 702-228-2228, option 1.