Preparing to buy a house can be a smooth process if you have a clear roadmap in hand. Jumpstart the process with a few small steps, including checking your credit score and adhering to a tight budget.

While it’s true, a lot of the prep work has to do with finances, there are other factors to consider like choosing the best realtor. Here’s your roadmap to home buying success!

1. Check Your Credit Score

First things first. You will face roadblock after roadblock if your credit score isn’t up to snuff.

A solid credit score indicates fiscal responsibility. It can also lower your interest rate.

Checking your credit score no longer harms your overall score. Most banking apps allow you to pull it for free right from your dashboard. Beyond that, Free Credit Report is another viable option.

2. Target Your Down Payment

How far out do you like to plan ahead? When it comes to home buying, this is definitely an area to plan in advance for.

The higher your down payment, the lower your monthly payments will be. Of course, it can be difficult squirreling away cash when the cost of living feels so high. But, now’s the time to buckle down.

Create a strict budget you can abide by. Avoid extravagant nights out on the town, unnecessary groceries, and travel. Those are just some of the big kahunas.

3. See If You Can Get Pre-approved

Head into your bank and see if you can get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will help you keep your dreams in check.

If you know you’ll be pre-approved up to $350,000, you can scratch those $550,000 homes off the list. Realistic expectations are the name or the game when preparing to buy a house.

There are also other items to contend with. You’ll need to consider the cost of the home inspection, possible renovations, and home insurance.

4. Research Agents

Finding a good realtor might take a little bit of research but the Internet makes this a totally doable process. You want to find someone who knows the ins and outs of your desired neighborhood.

Select a few agents — either from your online research or through a referral – and meet with them. Treat it like an interview.

They’re going to be working side by side with you in one of the most pivotal moments of your life. A good buyers agent will also have top-notch negotiation skills.

5. Learn How to Be Flexible

Sometimes, deals fall through. Other times, the homes we’re interested in fail the inspection so badly, it’s impossible to move forward. And, sadly, there are times when someone else swoops in and outbids us.

Learn to be flexible now. Trust the process. Hold firm to the fact that your dream home is out there waiting for you.

Preparing to Buy a House Is an Exciting Time

Here at Bonnie Roberts, we love real estate. Preparing to buy a house is filled with highs and lows but it’s also the most exciting time of your life.

When you finally seal the deal, here are 10 things to do before moving into your new house. May all your dreams come true!