Four ways to make the homebuying process easier

Buying a home is a time-consuming, yet exciting, journey. From approvals to finding the home you want to buy, your San Antonio area REALTOR® can help you at every step along the way.

Many people rely on a REALTOR® to assist with everything from scheduling showings to handling contracts, and that's a smart decision. Advice from your REALTOR® will help you out in the long run. But there's a lot you can do to make the process go smoothly. Here’s how to get started.

Get pre-approved by your lender
This is an important step. When you get pre-approved for a loan, you will save time because you’ll know exactly what homes are in your budget.

A bonus of pre-approval is that you give the sellers a greater degree of confidence that you’re a serious buyer. And in some areas where houses are in great demand, that’s a plus. You'll also have a better idea of how much you might expect to pay in closing costs and can start preparing.

Decide what you really want
It’s hard to find the perfect home, but if you’re realistic about your expectations, you won’t be disappointed. Be prepared to adjust your expectations if you can’t find the property you want in your price range.

If you’re looking for a particular location, you may have to give up some of your desired amenities. Or, if you like the idea of a brand-new home, you should be prepared for the possibility that you won't get the heavily treed backyard you've always wanted.

READ ALSO: Mortgage basics you need to know

Spend time creating your list of priorities and then share that information with your REALTOR®. As your REALTOR® gains an understanding of your needs...