Real Stories
Engaged Couple Juggles Buying a House While Planning their Wedding
Armed with the first-time home buyer tax credit, secure financial footing, and a passing mark from the home inspector, Mary and her fiancé’s home-buying process went smoothly and more quickly than they thought it would.
They closed on their new home in Audubon one month after their initial offer.
Mary would advise other buyers to take advantage of the current market, as long as they are informed and educated.
“We were knowledgeable about the mortgage and house-hunting process. For us, the numerous options on the market and lower prices made this a great time to buy a home.”
Mary and her fiancé learned about the positive conditions for buyers and with their wedding approaching, they decided to make the move from their parents’ homes in Oakland to a new home in Audubon. Their friends referred them to their REALTOR®, Nanci, and they began their search.
“I heard some news about home foreclosures, which made me nervous about entering the market,” said Mary. “But we knew this was a great time to buy because homes were getting more affordable.”
Nanci showed them homes within their budget and educated them about house-hunting. They learned that details were important – things that they might not otherwise think of. For example, one house they looked at was near a fire station, something they decided against because of the possible noise near the house.
Another particular part of the transaction that they would advise other buyers to prepare for was mortgage approval.
“It was a very detailed process,” said Mary. “Our bank accounts had to be monitored, we had to fill out lots of paperwork about our financial history, and the mortgage company had to make sure we could afford the loan.”
Still, the couple was able to move in record time.
“We knew it was the house for us the moment we saw it,” Mary said. “It didn’t need much work, it was in a family-friendly neighborhood, we would be able to move in before our wedding, and it was within our budget.”