Find The Right Buyers Agent
Protect your interests by calling Sage Realty, an exclusive buyer’s agency, before beginning your home search. We have your goals in mind and will act as your personal advocate to develop real estate strategies for you, the buyer. In fact, we’ll help you through each of the steps below!
Credit Score
Your credit score is a determining factor in whether you obtain financing and at what cost.
The three-digit score is commonly known as a FICO, or Fair Isaac & Co., score. Each of the three major credit bureaus (TransUnion, Eperian and Equifax) have assigned you one. The higher the score, the lower your presumed risk of default. By law, you may obtain one free report annually from each bureau online. By accessing your credit information one agency at a time, you can get a free credit report three times a year.
The average U.S. credit score is 694. FICO credit scores can range from 300 to 850 and are based on the length of your credit history, the mix of credit you already have, and your number of recent credit applications.
Here are some ways to improve your credit score:
-Pay your bills on time. Your payment history, including late payments and foreclosures, can count for one-third of your credit score. Accounts more than 60 days past due will be indicated on your credit report.
-Check your credit report for errors. Removing errors is one of the easiest ways to improve a credit score.
-Reduce your balances. Try to keep your balances less than 80% of your credit limit to maximize your score benefit. Start with those credit cards that are closest to their limits.
-Keep older credit lines open. Having a long history of active accounts indicate to lenders that you are a good credit risk. Use your oldest cards regularly for small purchases and pay balances each month.
-Avoid new credit. Opening new credit will lower your average account age. Take on new credit only when you need it.
Make Use of Technology
There’s a lot of information out there to help you make a wise decision when buying a home. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to find or easy to use. At Sage, we’re experts in today’s technology and will make sure you get all the information you need, including daily listings with addresses and photos, contract forms, floor plans, seller disclosure materials and community information.
Decide What You Want
Your home is much more than a collection of bedrooms, bathrooms and an outdoor deck. It’s where you relax, work, entertain friends and raise your family. Before you begin your search, take the time to evaluate what is most important to you in a home. By defining what you want and the right location, you won’t be tempted to purchase a house that feels right, but is lacking some essential element. See some popular home styles and decide what suits you, click here for examples from REALTOR® Magazine.