Oklahoma New Home Buying Checklist

Just about every Oklahoman aspires to own their own house. Homeowners pay less tax and save more money than tenants. In addition, there’s the sense of pride and achievement that comes with owning a home. In Oklahoma, home prices inevitably increase over time, making purchasing a home one of the best investments you can make. Given the various advantages of homeownership, many people are still worried about the process of purchasing a home. This makes sense when you know that purchasing a home is one of the most expensive purchases you’ll ever make. Before taking this life-changing step, it’s important to learn everything you can about the home-buying process. The following information covers what you should know when shopping for newly built homes by builders in Oklahoma.

6 Activities You Should Do Before Shopping New Homes

The following recommendations should be considered to help make your home buying journey go more smoothly.

#1 Get Your Credit in Order

Now is the time to review your credit score if you haven’t already. This is the figure that mortgage lenders use to calculate your interest rate. A better credit score translates to a lower mortgage rate.

It’s a good idea to fix any problems on your credit report before looking for a house, even if it’s not necessary.

#2 Figure Out How Much Home You Can Afford

Getting a budget in place before you start searching for a house can save you from experiencing a major headache later down the road. You must figure out the amount of money your household earns per month after taxes and your average monthly expenditures, plus debt, in order to calculate your budget.

Remember that the larger the down payment for your new home, the lower your monthly mortgage payment would be.

#3 Find a Mortgage Lender

One of the most difficult aspects of purchasing a new home is going through the mortgage process. It’s not unusual for potential buyers to spend months looking for the right lender. Prospective borrowers must get pre-approved for a mortgage after finding a mortgage lender.

Fortunately, there is a way to make the process go faster. Many home builders have their own mortgage business, so everything can be done in one location. This makes financing simple, and home builders frequently provide discounts to buyers who use their services to fund their homes.

#4 Make a List of Your Must-Haves

When it comes to purchasing a home, everyone has different criteria they want to be met. While some people are concerned with the kitchen, master retreat, or yard size, it’s vital to differentiate what matters most.

Create a list of both your desires and your needs. This will assist you in deciding which things are negotiable.

#5 Research Neighborhoods for the Amenities You Want

When it comes to purchasing a house, location is extremely important. Make sure you do your homework on the area and the school districts before visiting with any builder sales reps.

Even if you don’t have children, homes in close proximity to good schools have a higher resale value.

Make sure you study the nearby shopping malls, restaurants, grocery stores, and entertainment options in addition to good schools.

#6 Start Scheduling Tours of Model Homes

When you’ve decided on the type of home you want to buy, it’s time to start doing some walk-throughs. While your real estate agent will assist you with much of the process, it’s a good idea to have a list of questions ready before going on a home tour.

You’ll want to learn as much as you can about the house and the builder, such as the reputation of the construction company, the materials used in the home’s construction, nearby flood zones, estimated time of the community’s completion, neighborhood amenities, warranty, etc.