6 Ways to Stand Out as a Homebuyer

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Buying a home is an exciting process, but it can also cause a considerable amount of stress, especially if you’re buying in a competitive housing market.

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Fortunately, there are plenty of ways for you to stand out from the crowd and land the home of your dreams.

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It’s also a good idea to have an understanding of mortgages and what you may need during your home-buying experience. Here are six tips and tricks that will catch a seller’s eye.

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1. Be Preapproved for a Mortgage

[{"selector":"#anim-91fe5235-051c-4645-a43d-64722e95a4be","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-c2e10af3-47a8-4420-b4c5-57ab0dc3a4a0","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Sellers in hot markets can only accept one offer at a time. If yours includes a preapproval letter from a mortgage lender. Learn more

Getting preapproved benefits you as well. For one thing, it tells you how much you’re likely to qualify for so you can focus your search on homes that are in your price range.

2. Make Your Best Offer

[{"selector":"#anim-7483a3b0-60cb-4843-9596-9fa02ed7bac7","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-cbfaf338-18b4-46d6-8ae5-01ab693d4aab","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] While everyone loves a bargain, you may not find one in a hot real estate market. Trying to underbid in a seller’s market means you’ll probably lose to a competitor. Learn more

Running the numbers before you look for a house and especially before you make an offer, is extremely helpful because you have to think beyond the loan payment itself.

3. Forget the Small Stuff

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Rather than get hung up on small details during negotiations, stay focused on the most important elements. Is the roof sound? Are there issues with the foundation? Does the plumbing work OK?

4. Act Quickly

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