A Home Is An Investment
If you're looking for a new home, you probably don't plan on moving any time soon. But chances are that you might, so future resale value is pretty important. Could you gain a profit from selling it a few years down the road? Is the location good? Consider the neighborhood's appearance (nice landscaping, the school system nearby, the crime rate, access to the neighborhood, shopping convenience, the home's and the community's amenities, etc.

Have you estimated your spending budget?
You need to review your finances before looking for your new home. Examining your financial situation will help you determine how much you can afford to put down on a new home as well as the maximum you can spend towards monthly payments. Put together a net-worth statement (a summary of your assets and liabilities) and subtract funds you might need for emergencies, savings, moving, and decorating.

Have you started the loan process yet?
Once you find a lender you trust, go ahead and make a full loan application to get the ball rolling. You'll become a much more attractive business deal to sellers, and can make the process a little easier for everyone involved. Recognize that you do not have to select the lender who pre-qualified you; instead, you can compare rates and options from several different lenders (as long as you limit your credit inquiries).

Make a "Must Have" list.
Make a list of what you want, what you don't want, and what you'll accept. If you find that you can't afford the perfect home in the perfect location, sacrifice something within the house rather than the location. You can always add more to your home, but changing your neighbors or the community will be significantly more difficult.

What's the best loan option for you?
Research one- and three-year adjustable-rate mortgages. You might also want to look into 15-year fixed-rate loans. Knowing what you can afford to buy with these popular mortgage types will help you start off on the right foot. Keep in mind that while you might get a bigger loan with an FHA-insured or VA-guaranteed mortgage, hot-market sellers probably won't be jumping at the chance to engage in the extra paperwork and delays that often come with these loans.

Your Hilton Head Island Real Estate Agent
A successful purchase starts with the right representative. In fact, once you’ve selected the best real estate agent on Hilton Head Island to represent you, it is likely that he or she can recommend other professionals to join your team, taking more of the responsibility off of your shoulders.

Your Hilton Head Island Real Estate Lender or Appraiser
A bank is not just a bank. Having the right backer can be extremely important – it is your money we’re talking about after all! Make sure that your lender and financial representative is someone with whom you feel comfortable, and be wary of any lender who promises you more than you think you can reasonably afford. Your lenders may or may not require an independent appraisal, and typically will make arrangements for the appraisal themselves.

Your Hilton Head Island Real Estate Attorney
Your home purchase is far too important a transaction to skimp on legal representation at the risk of leaving yourself open to costly future issues. Find a real estate attorney who is willing to take the time to answer your questions and who specializes in real estate law.

Your Hilton Head Island Real Estate Home Inspector
No home inspection is 100% guaranteed, but a few hundred dollars to catch a major problem now is certainly better than many thousands to correct that ‘surprise’ down the road. Ask your agent for a recommendation.

Your Hilton Head Island Contractor
Planning some renovations? You’re not the only one! The home renovation industry is booming, and in some markets, booking a contractor must be done months in advance (that’s a long time to go without a kitchen). Don’t let finding the right contractor slip through the cracks – planning ahead will almost certainly make your renovation smoother, and you contractor will appreciate the advance notice.  Hilton Head Island is a great example of booking a contractor in advance.  I have a lot of conections in this field and I would be more than happy to recommend them to you.