To make the pre-home buying process simpler, we asked one of our Progressive Urban Real Estate experts, Sara Olson, to share some steps to owning a home. She provided us with her 5 expert steps to becoming a homeowner:

1. Hire a realtor! Your Progressive Urban realtor will help guide you through the market by using their expertise to ensure you are getting the right home, at the right price all while paying attention to details of the purchasing process. The realtors at Progressive Urban understand that purchasing a home is more than a roof with walls, its an investment into your future. We are confident that your realtor will be able to make the entire home shopping process as easy as possible. Visit our website to get to know the agents of Progressive Urban Real Estate!
2. Get those fun finances in order. Save, save, save! Buying a home comes with a lot of expenses in addition to the down payment including the home inspection fee or any immediate house repairs once you do find the perfect home. The more financially prepared you are, the better. And do not forget to check your credit! This will come in handy when searching for a mortgage lender.
3. Speak with lenders for pre-approval. Compare interest rates and look for special programs such as First Time Home-buyer loans or local programs such as the Greater Circle Living; an employer assisted housing program created to encourage eligible employees of Greater University Circle institutions to live near work which helps employees purchase, rent, or repair homes in Greater University Circle. Have questions or need guidance with choosing your mortgage lender? Ask your realtor! The realtors at Progressive Urban are more than happy to help you. 
4. Identify your needs vs. wants in a home. How many bedrooms do you need? What size yard is ideal for you? Is a basement or garage important to you? Make sure most of these questions have been answered before you start your home buying process to ensure that the homes you are viewing best fit within your criteria.
5. Pound the pavement! Contact your realtor at Progressive Urban Real Estate to set up daily home listing emails and to schedule some viewings to begin the process of finding your dream home. 

Follow these simple steps before starting the home buying process to help your search run smoothly. In need of a real estate agent? Visit our website to connect with an agent today.