“Our Top 5 Tips for Buying Your Dream Home in Oklahoma”
Purchasing a dream home is an exciting milestone and one of the largest purchases you may every make. Oklahoma’s real estate market has plenty to offer prospective homeowners. Before you embark on your house hunting journey, consider these top tips .
. Define Your Priorities: Start by making a list of your essential requirements for your dream home. Your must haves and have nots. Here are some factors to consider; the location, size, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, amenities, is it upgraded, how much would upgrades cost, what is the proximity to schools, work, and recreational areas. Acknowledging your priorities will help narrow down your search so you can find a home that best fits your needs.
. Work with a Knowledgeable Realtor: Partnering with a reputable and experienced local real estate agent who knows the Oklahoma market is crucial. They deal with all the in’s and out’s every day and it is their job to keep up with current data and trends. They can provide valuable insights while guiding you through the buying process, negotiating on your behalf, and ensuring you get the best deal possible.
. Get Pre-approved for a Loan: Before you start house hunting, get pre-approved. You may ask your Realtor for advice or even for a few lenders to interview during this process. This important step will help you understand your budget and display to sellers that you are a serious buyer. Additionally, being pre-approved puts you in a better position to make offers quickly when you find the right home. Also a pro tip, go local anytime you can. A local lender stands out among multiple offer situations and generally makes sellers more comfortable.
. Research the Area/Neighborhoods: Oklahoma offers a variety of neighborhoods, each with its unique charm and character. Take the time to research the neighborhoods and areas you’re interested in to ensure they fit with your lifestyle and needs. Consider factors such as safety, amenities, school districts, job location, churches, day care facilities and any known future development plans that could impact property values.
. Perform Due Diligence: Once you’ve found a potential home, conduct thorough due diligence. Your Realtor can walk you through the timelines of the contract and help guide you through the process. This includes getting a professional home inspection to identify any issues or necessary repairs the property may need. Additionally, research the property’s history and check local zoning laws or homeowner association rules before putting an offer in. You may also want to pull the neighborhood covenants and restrictions if you plan to build on, add a detached structure such as a storage building, or maybe you want additional animals other than dogs and cats on your property such as horses or chickens, this will ensure there are no surprises after closing.
Remember, buying a home is a huge investment and it takes some time! It is crucial you ask plenty of questions and don’t rush yourself. This will help you make informed decisions along the way. You don’t want to settle for a property that doesn’t meet your criteria. So, with the right approach, a professional by your side, and a dab of patience, you’ll be well on your way to finding your dream home in our beautiful state of Oklahoma!
Remember, whether you’re looking to invest in real estate or purchase your dream home, Oklahoma offers fantastic opportunities and an inviting market that generally weathers economic storms well. So, we hope you keep these tips in mind the next time you are buying a home in our Sooner State. Happy investing and house hunting! As always, reach out to The RED Team with additional questions. We have specialists for both buyers and sellers to help make your dreams a reality. Contact Kiley Hendley for buyer questions 405-410-9696 or Terra Myers for seller questions at 405-474-4242.