New Year’s Resolutions for Future Homeowners

If you've been thinking that 2014 could be the year for you to become a homeowner, there are a few resolutions that could help. Take your ambitions seriously this year to get the results you want.

Four New Year's resolutions for would-be homebuyers:

• Writing down your five must-haves. Narrowing down what is most important to you in your new home is an important part of the house hunting process. Take some time to jot down what matters most in your next home, so you can save time and ease your search when you're ready to begin.
 
• Finding a real estate professional. An experienced real estate agent can be your best asset in the Hampton Roads housing market. Lining up an expert that you trust and get along well with can be a huge benefit that can save you both time and money. And best of all, working with an agent doesn't cost buyers a dime!
 
• Pulling your credit. Okay, so maybe this isn't the most glamorous of items on your list but it is a necessary one. When you run a credit check, you learn which areas need improvement so that you can qualify for the best possible home mortgage interest rates.
 
• Getting prequalified. Your real estate agent can connect you with a helpful loan officer who can work to get you prequalified. The process only takes a few minutes but it can give you a better idea of the price range of homes you can afford.

This could be the year you become a homeowner! Just stick to these resolutions, and buying a home can be in your near future.