What is the First Step in Buying a House in Today's Market?

Most people who dream of buying a house usually will begin by scouring sites like Zillow for their dream home.  If one comes up that they are interested in enough, people often call the listing agent, or another agent they know, to go see the house.  Is this the best way to begin the home buying process? 

This is certainly not a bad way to start the process.  However, if you find your dream home on the internet and then fall in love with it in person, it can be somewhat devastating to learn that you may not be comfortable with or able to make the monthly payment.  With this in mind, I would urge everyone to speak with a bank before getting too invested in the search process.  

Furthermore, you will need to have a pre-approval letter from a bank to make an offer on a property.  In Harrisonburg/Rockingham's current market, desirable houses that are priced well do not last long.  Should your perfect house come on the market, you will want to have the ability move quickly.  For perspective, I have recently sold two houses before they hit the market.  So, having your pre-approval letter ready to go is vital.  

If you or someone you know is looking to star the home buying process, contact me for recommendations on lenders and next steps:  Phone or email.