Before You Buy: 4 Reasons Why You Should Attend a Home Buyer Class

/

“Can I afford to buy a house? Do I have enough saved? Is my credit okay? How much do I need to put down? What is escrow?  

If you’re in the beginning stages of determining whether or not this is the right time for you to buy a home, these are questions that you have likely asked yourself. I have been teaching Home Buyer Classes for years now; I strongly recommend that anyone considering a home purchase attend a home buyer class.

hbc.jpeg

4 reasons why you should attend a home buyer class

1. Learn how long it really takes to buy a home.

If you don’t understand the home buying process, it can become overwhelming in a hurry. However, if you are equipped with a basic understanding of what to expect, you’ll be able to clearly focus on each step in the process. In a home buying class, a realtor (and perhaps also a mortgage consultant) will carefully explain the process and go through in detail the timeline of buying a home, the application process, the escrow process, home inspections, the appraisal, etc. 

2. Learn more about whether or not you actually qualify to purchase a home.   

Many people have no idea what their credit score is, what it should be if you are hoping to purchase a home and where to start in order to qualify for a home purchase. Your best bet is to look for a class that has a mortgage consultant speaking. The ability to ask questions regarding your credit score and how it impacts your purchase, how to qualify for a loan, which loan products to consider, what the closing costs are, etc. is extremely valuable information that you should have before you get started.

3. Figure out how much money you’re able to spend on a home.

If you’ll be taking out a loan to help finance your home purchase, you will learn about the amount of money you will qualify for, which will then determine the home you will be able to afford. A good realtor and/or mortgage consultant will work with you to determine what price you can comfortably live with (it’s not always what the lender has quoted).

4. Every person (and their real estate purchase) is unique.

Not only should you walk away with a better understanding of the home buying process, but a good realtor and mortgage consultant will help you think about some important questions, such as:

  • How much home can I really afford?

  • What am I really looking for in a home, what are my needs?

  • Is this my forever home, first home or in between?

  • How to assess a home’s ability to appreciate?

  • How much savings do I need to have?

  • What is the minimum credit score needed to qualify?

  • Can family members help me by contributing funds?

  • Why should a home buyer work with a real estate professional?

  • What type of lender will work best for me?

  • How do I comparison shop for a lender?

  • What down payment assistance program works best?
      

    Being informed is the most important first step to homeownership—taking the time to learn about each step of the process will set you up for success down the road!

hands-house-moneybag.jpeg

 

   

   

/ / 1 Comment

Saviya Robinson

Saviya Robinson is a top-producing broker specializing in lifecycle moves, international relocations, and unique property acquisitions.

An international traveler, Saviya has spent extensive time abroad, including living in Amsterdam. In 2010, she moved back to the states with a focus on advocacy and education for international clients. Committed to this purpose, Saviya earned her Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) accreditation and uses this today in her work.

Originally from Zillah, Washington, Saviya made the move to Seattle in 2000 and became a fulltime REALTOR in 2007. Since then, Saviya has represented hundreds of buyers and sellers in real estate transactions throughout King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties.

When not practicing real estate, you can find Saviya spending time with her family, planning her next travel adventure, or catching up on her favorite streaming series.