Buying can be a stressful process! It doesn’t have to be! We have put together 5 tips for buying a house in Omaha!
Buying a home is likely one of the largest purchases you will ever make. You should not be in a rush. By taking your time, and learning about all of your buying options, you will be able to find the perfect home for you.
5 Tips for Buying A House in Omaha
Tip 1 – Start Saving Your Money Right Away
There are a lot of expenses when buying a house! First, you will need to decide if you are paying cash or financing. If you plan to use financing, you will need to save up 20% for the down-payment using a conventional loan. If you qualify for an FHA loan, the amount of your downpayment will be 3.5%, however, you will need to carry private mortgage insurance. If you are using financing, it is important to get pre-approval from the bank before making an offer. Sellers will not take you seriously without pre-approval. If you are paying in cash, this part of the process becomes a lot easier.
Tip 2 – Understand All The Expenses Involved
Not only will you have to pay for the house itself, but there are many additional costs to consider, and they will add up quickly. If you decide to use a realtor there will be realtor commission fees, closing costs, real estate taxes, insurance, utilities, transfer fees and likely some improvements before moving in to name a few. There will be moving costs, boxes and time spent loading and unloading your belongings. And once you are all moved in, there is still the decorating to do.
Tip 3 – Make Some Lists
Make a list and stick to it. Determine the things you “must-have” such as the number of bedrooms and commute times. Make another list of things you would really enjoy having such as a pool or island in the kitchen. And finally, consider the things you absolutely won’t consider. This is where you would set the maximum price, and do not budge from it. Making lists will help you avoid making decisions based on emotion, which is very easy to do when house shopping!
Tip 4 – Look For Homes Both On & Off The Market
The MLS isn’t the only place to find great homes for sale. There are many sellers who choose to sell their house without using an agent or the MLS. Many home sellers look to sell their house to cash buyers. There are companies such as Harter Investments that buy and sell houses and always have an inventory of houses to sell available for a direct purchase. Purchasing a home directly from a seller can ultimately be a better way to find a deal. What the seller saves in advertising and commissions, is often passed down to you! And you will not have to pay the 7% real estate commission.
Tip 5 – Consider Both The Long & Short Term
Not only are you buying a house for today, but you are likely buying the home in you will be in for a few years. Your house should neet your current needs, and also be a place you can see yourself in the future. If you choose to sell it down the road, make sure you have a “timeless” property, that will provide you with a profitable resell.
When buying a home in Omaha it is important to consider all of your options. There are many avenues you can take on the road to becoming a Omaha homeowner! We would love to answer any questions you may have and help you to take the hassle out of buying the traditional way! Get in touch with us today to see what we currently have in our inventory! Call our office at 402-939-6556 or email cory@harterinvestments.com