Today's Home Buyers Are Better Prepared

The good folks at BMO Harris Bank recently commissioned a company called Pollara to conduct a study of projected home-buying habits for potential buyers. Here are just a few of their findings - interesting stuff!

Among likely first-time buyers, 80% plan to get pre-approved before making an offer and 10% are already pre-approved
Approximately four out of five will set a budget BEFORE looking for a home
More than a majority (65%) of those looking to buy a new home will consult a real estate agent, while 61% said they will visit online real estate websites and 38% will seek recommendations from friends and family
Among those surveyed, they are willing to pay an average of $277,000 for a home
Over half (54%) of Americans say they are likely to buy a home in the next five years

If the numbers above reflect ACTUAL behaviors, today's home buyers ARE far better prepared as they'll be getting pre-approved in record numbers and setting a budget BEFORE they even start looking for a home.

News like that is DEFINITELY worth celebrating. Just don't get carried away and blow your budget - eyes on the prize!

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