Ballwin, Missouri, is located 40 miles west of downtown St. Louis and offers both the excitement of the nearby city and the relaxing environment typical of the suburbs. Ballwin's two school districts are highly rated, and several institues of higher education are located close by.
Start planning your buying process as soon as you seriously consider buying property. In order to find someone you want to work with, you’ll want to talk to several Ballwin real estate agents when you’re ready to begin house hunting. However, you should get organized first.
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| Population 31,283 | Median Age 37.6 yrs | Household Size: 2.65 |
| Avg Commute: 28.0 min | Avg Income $66,458 | Avg Home Value: $157,300 |
| July High: 89.2°F | January Low: 17.9°F | |
Ballwin Real Estate
Ballwin real estate agents can only help you if you know what you want and what you can afford. Getting your finances in order should be the first step you take. Get a copy of your credit report and look at your budget to see how much you have in savings. The better your credit rating, the less you’ll need to put down on a home. Some loan programs only require a down payment of 5 percent or less for people with excellent credit ratings.
At this point, it’s not too early to consult with Ballwin real estate agents regarding your financial situation. Use this time to get to know a few different professionals in the area. Ask them what type of a house you can expect to get based on your credit rating, monthly budget and what you have in savings. Although you’re not at a point to make a decision on which real estate professional you will hire, you’ll find out who is helpful and who is not.
A good agent will give you some advice regarding your finances, refer you to several reputable lenders and offer to help you in the pre-qualification process. You don’t have to make any commitments at this point. Take what you learn from the real estate professionals you speak with and do an Internet search on some homes in the area. The main point of this exercise is to find out what types of homes are available.
For example, if the Ballwin real estate agents you speak to say you can get into a $350,000 home, look at homes in the $250,000 to $450,000 price range. Take notes on the features these homes have to offer. You might have thought your budget wouldn’t allow anything over 2,000 square feet, but the search results may show that you underestimated the size of home you can afford.
This is the time to decide what you need and want in a new home. Look at everything from crown molding to marble tubs. Make a list, splitting it up between necessities, desires and dreams. When you have an approximate budget and a wish list completed, start interviewing Ballwin real estate agents.
Contact the agents you felt a good rapport with and ask for an appointment. It’s always best to interview at least two Ballwin real estate agents, preferably three. When you have them on the phone, give them an idea of what you’re willing to pay, within $50,000. You’ll also want to give them a rundown of the necessities on your wish list. This should include the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, approximate square footage and other features you absolutely require in your new home.
Ballwin real estate agents should always bring a list of available properties that fit your basic criteria to a first interview. Agents who come to the appointment empty-handed are less likely to do the necessary homework later on. Once you choose a real estate professional you’re happy with, work with him or her to get pre-approved by a lender and you’ll be ready to go house hunting.
by Merrell S. Jones
A REALTOR® is a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS®