How to prepare to buy house?

i am wanting people's advice on what to do prepare to buy a house. i want to buy a house in about 12 months within the 150k to 250k price range, currently i have a credit score of 650ish will have 20k or 30k down payment with a yearly salary of 120k.How to prepare to buy house?
You seem to be in a very good shape already to buy a house. If you don't want to buy now (depending on the area, I would strongly suggest to reconsider since prices are very low right now and so are interest rinterestu might want to start ';house shopping'; now


However If you don't want to buy before 12 month from now, I would suggest that you drive through certain areas where you would like to move to. Talk to neighbors, check out the locations, check out the infra structures (central water and sewer vs. well and septic) - use the time until you are ready to buy to really find the area where you would like to be.


You can always change a house (color, rooms, pool, and so fort) but you can never change the area.


Once you found ';your'; area, continue coming back, continue talking to the neighbors, go to local restaurants and shops, get familiar with it. And who knows may be you run accidently iaccidentaldream home';. Talk to a local Realtor and ask him or her to keep his or her eyes open for you, tell him/her what you are looking for - and then be ready to move on a home in your area as soon as it meets your criteria.


Just one advise - the most important rule in Real Estate is always ';Location, Location, Location';How to prepare to buy house?
If you have any debts pay them down as much as you can. Check your credit report. You can request your credit reports from all three of the national agencies at www.annualcreditreport.com. Type this URL carefully because several other sites will try to sell you other things.





Most people's credit reports contain errors. A 2004 study showed that more than 70% of consumers' credit reports had significant errors and 23% of the mistakes were enough to result in denial of credit. Check yours and work to correct any mistakes with the agencies and with any company that is providing them with bad information.





Your score is high enough that you probably don't have to worry about denial of credit but a better score will qualify you for better mortgage programs and, therefore, cost you less in interest which results in a lower monthly payment.





Definitely, do find a good buyer's agent. Don't worry about letting them show you homes listed by their office, though. A quality agent will represent you 100% and be your effective advocate regardless of whether the home you want is listed through another agent with the same company.





The best agents will provide you will all the information about all listings that match your criteria from every real estate company. You should be in complete control of deciding which houses to view.





However, the other answer is partially correct, if you should decide to make an offer on a home listed by your agent, find another agent to represent you on that transaction. Nobody can represent two opposite sides as well as you deserve.





I would be glad to help you find a great buyer's agent. Just contact me if you would like a referral for the type of agent I recommend.
find a buyer's agent or an exclusive buyer's agent and


never let your agent also rep the seller or show you a lisitng


from their office