Anyone who has ever bought a home will tell you, emotion plays a big role in the decision. However, if you don’t approach the home buying process logically, you could end up making some major mistakes.

Probably the biggest area most Columbia SC home buyers make mistakes with is when it comes to choosing the right mortgage.

The first thing you must do is get a good mortgage broker. There are many lenders available for a mortgage if you have decent credit, and it can be very confusing if you are going it alone. A mortgage broker has experience and connections to find you the very best rate available. The value of the home you are purchasing is only part of the cost, and even a small difference in mortgage rates can make a huge difference in savings.

Get pre-qualified for your home loan. There’s nothing worse than finding your dream house, only to realize you can’t afford it. Before you look for a house, get pre-qualified, or better yet, get pre-approved. Have all the pertinent information, such as, employment history, credit history and outstanding debts available, because your mortgage broker is going to need them. The best mortgage lender will then be able to tell you exactly how much you will qualify for.

Keep an eye on the economic market. Buying a home when the market is lean like it is now is a very smart move, if you can afford it. Home values rise and fall with the economy, so if you buy a home when the economy is low, chances are very good the home will increase in value and you’ll realize that appreciation later on.

There are many more important home buying tips, and we have them on this site. Just click the home buying tips link under our categories section to find more important home buying tips.