With 2018 officially here, it’s time to start the new year off on the right house-hunting foot. Whether you’re looking for low maintenance living or an active lifestyle in a new home community, there are steps you can take to prepare yourself for buying a new home.

There’s a lot that goes into preparing to buy a new home. Fortunately, we compiled a series of steps to help you get on the right track.

1. Know your credit score
   A good credit score can help you get a good mortgage rate, which is why it’s important to know yours. FICO scores will range between 300 to 850. The best credit score to have for a mortgage is typically 740 and higher. The higher your credit score, the lower your mortgage rate could be even by 1%.
2. Don’t open new credit cards
   By opening another credit line, you’re putting your credit score in a vulnerable position. Debt is one of the first things a bank will see when you go to take out a mortgage, which is why it’s essential to keep your credit score at its highest. A new line of credit can sabotage your score and, ultimately, cost you a lower mortgage.
3. Look for an ideal neighborhood
   Up to 92% of home buyers use the internet when searching for a new house. However, it’s essential to consider the neighborhood of the house when doing your search. This is because you can change a home overtime if it’s not ultimately to your liking. But you can’t change a home’s neighborhood.

There’s a lot that goes into preparing to buy a home for sale in a desirable location. Fortunately, you don’t have to put in as much effort to find a house for sale in an ideal neighborhood.

ParkView at Chesterbrook is a luxury townhome community located near Wegmans, Whole Foods, and the King of Prussia mall. What’s more, its ideal neighborhood places it in the #1 school district in the United States. For more information on homes for sale in this classic community, contact ParkView at Chesterbrook today.