Everyone has priorities when buying a home. The buying process is complicated and time-consuming, and it's easy to get derailed. Having defined priorities will help you navigate the process without missing essential aspects that are important to both you and your family.

1. Keep Your Money Where It Is

Three to six months before buying a new house, it is not a good idea to make any significant purchases or transfers of funds. You don't want to take any big risks with your credit profile. The Washington mortgage company wants to see that you are trustworthy, and they want a complete paper trail so that they can provide you with the finest loan available. If you open new credit cards, accumulate a lot of debt, or buy large items, you will have a hard time getting credit.

2. Lot Location and Size:

When it comes to buying a home, a lot of thinking goes into it, but it should be at the forefront of purchasers' minds. It's the one thing about a property that can't really be changed. Think about it: You can take down a house and rebuild it from scratch, but regardless of the changes you make, a lot will remain the same.

Before placing an offer on a certain property, thoroughly examine the location and size of the lot. Do you wish you would have a large enough backyard for your kids to play in? Does Lott have a vision that you can see yourself enjoying for years to come?

If anything about the lot sounds like a compromise to you, don't hesitate to walk away. It will be easier to find a similar property on a better lot, as it will settle for less-than-enough space from day to day consistently.

3. Right Amount of Space:

When it comes to finding the home of your dreams it's up to you to figure out how much space you really need. When you buy a home that is too tiny for your family, you are always trying to find out how to make the space work for you. In the same way, buying very large assets can give you spreads, but will eliminate large costs.

Think about the place you currently live in. how do you feel? Do you have sufficient bedrooms or do you really have to share with other family members? Is there enough space for all of your possessions?

Apart from considering your current life situation, you should also consider your plans for the future. If you think you'll be joining your family soon, plan some extra room. Ideally, you want a happy medium that will give you room to grow without water.

4. Get your Home Loan pre-approved

There is a big difference between a buyer being pre-qualified and a buyer having a pre-approved mortgage. Anyone can pre-qualify for the loan. Being pre-approved means that a lender has looked at all your financial information and they have told you how much you can afford and how much they will lend you. 

Getting pre-approved will save you a lot of time and energy, so you're not running around looking for homes you can't afford. It also allows you to shop for the best deals and best interest rates. Do your homework: Make sure you're aware of any hidden expenses, such as junk fees, processing fees, or points, and that the loan doesn't have any. Try any online mortgage calculator.

5. Large is not always better

Everyone is ready for the biggest, most beautiful house on the block. But when it comes to homes, usually larger isn't better. In real estate, there's an old adage that you shouldn't buy the biggest, finest house on the block. 

The largest home only attracts a very small audience and you don't want to limit potential buyers when you go to resell. The value of your home will increase as much as other homes near you. Your appreciation will be restricted if you spend $500,000 for a property while your neighbors pay $250,000 to $300,000. 

Buying the worst property on the block is sometimes the greatest option since the poorest house per square foot always sells for more than the biggest house.

6. Avoid Sleeper Costs

The difference between renting and homeownership is the cost of the sleeper. Most individuals just think about their mortgage payments, but they should also consider additional costs like property taxes, utilities, and HOA dues. 

In addition, new homeowners must budget for repairs, upkeep, and possible property-tax hikes. Make sure you budget for the costs of the sleeper so that you will be covered and not at risk of losing your home.

7. Agreements You Can Handle:

It's just as essential to know what you want in your ideal house as it is to know what parts of homeownership will make you miserable. That way, you can take your home search away from those qualities and keep your idealistic life experience from being overshadowed by a trait you can't change.

If you can't live above your neighbors, look for a smaller home that will provide you more space on your lot or relocate your desired region to a less congested area.

8. You're Buying a House - Not Dating

Buying a house based on emotion is just going to break your heart. If you fall in love with something, you can make some really bad financial decisions. There is a big difference between your feelings and your instinct. If you trust your instincts, you'll know you're getting a fantastic deal on a great property. Going with your feelings is becoming obsessed with paint colors or backyards. It's just an investment, so you should stay calm and be sensible.

9. Avoid Border Disputes

It is essential to get your property surveyed so that you know exactly what you are buying. Knowing where your property lines are can save you a potential dispute with your neighbors. In addition, your estate tax is likely based on how much property you own, so it's best to have an accurate map.

10. Don’t Try to Time the Market

Don't get caught up in attempting to timing the market and determine the ideal moment to buy. It's hard to predict the housing market. When you locate the right property and can afford it, it's the finest moment to buy. Real estate is cyclical in nature; it rises, falls, and rises again. So, if you try to wait for the ideal moment, you'll almost certainly miss out.