How to buy a home in Tacoma

When you are purchasing your first home, it can be hard to know when the time is right to jump in and begin the process. You might be closer than you think! Here are the first 3 steps and some indicators of how to know if the time is right to begin searching for your new home in Tacoma.

Talk to a Realtor

Talking with a trusted real estate professional (that’s me!) about what you are looking for, your timeline for moving, and neighborhoods you are interested in is the first step. They can help you understand the local market, what challenges or advantages you have with your current position, and help refer you to a local lender to help with financing.  

Dive into your finances 

Understanding what your budget is for a potential mortgage, savings goals, as well as fixed and fluctuating expenses will help you know what you are able to afford when you are ready to buy. I often recommend knowing what your ideal monthly payment for a mortgage would be, and the tippy top of your budget, what I often call a “stretch” situation, in case a perfect home comes along that is at the top of your budget. 

Connect with a lender and get pre-approved

Your lender is a trusted part of your team when buying a home. Finding a lender that provides education, information, and communication in a timely manner is important! Once you receive the preapproval letter – which will include the purchase price maximum, down payment and estimated closing costs – you should have a comprehensive understanding of what your budget is for your home purchase. 

The Home Search

Now that you have your budget and preapproval letter, we can begin exploring neighborhoods and finding your dream home in Tacoma! 

Ready to get started? Send me a message or schedule a complimentary consultation to get the ball rolling.