Moving in with your spouse: Part 2

Purchasing a home with your new wife or husband is something that requires careful consideration and a deep understanding of the process. This can help ensure your experience goes smoothly without causing too much of a headache. Hang on to your wedding bliss a little longer with this guide for the homebuying journey:

Applying for a mortgage

The Mortgage Reports indicated that many options are available specifically for first-time buyers when it comes to finding a home loan. Low-down payment options through government-backed lenders like Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae grant easier access to homeownership for qualified borrowers.

Additionally, the Federal Housing Administration insures a loan from an FHA-approved lender for as little as 3.5 percent down provided the borrower qualifies and pays the closing costs. Do some research and find out what options you can take advantage of as a first-time buyer with your husband or wife.

Find a house you can both call home

When looking for the perfect house, keep one another's preferences in mind. Consider each making a list of what features are most important to you separately. Make sure you rank them, then compare them to determine what both of you want and negotiate other factors.

Remember that accommodating the wants and needs of your loved one is something you will need to get used and is part of attaining a fulfilling marriage. Finding a home that meets both of your wants and needs together may be one of the first times you practice this as a married couple. Realtor.com noted 80 percent of spouses who decided to invest in a house together believe the purchase bolstered their relationship.

Get an inspection for your home 

Hiring a professional to check out a property you are interested in purchasing is a crucial step in the homebuying process. A home inspection gives you the ability to know precisely what you are getting into when purchasing a home. Additionally, it can give you a leg up when negotiating an offer with the seller. According to realtor.com, if you decide not to have a home inspection completed, you may wind up with unexpected expenses later down the road. For example, a home inspector could let you know whether you will need to replace a roof in the next few years. Knowing this can help you anticipate additional costs.

The American Society of Home Inspectors conducted a survey that indicated having a home inspector check out a property increases buyer confidence. Responses showed 88 percent of participants who had a home inspection felt better about their purchase.

Know how to negotiate

Your real estate agent is you and your spouse's best friend when it comes to the point when you have to make an offer and negotiate with the seller. With their experience and knowledge, an agent can help you navigate through the process and ensure you wind up walking away with a fair deal. They know the health of the market and how much similar properties are selling for in the area. This insight gives them the ability to determine what you should pay for a house.

While enlisting the help of a real estate agent provides you with adequate support, doing some research on your own doesn't hurt, according to Zillow. If you know that you are currently in a buyer's market, you know that you can have the upper hand when it comes to settling on a final agreement. If you are in a seller's market, make your offer stand out by writing a letter to the current residents and explain why you want to purchase their home. This helps humanize your offer and may work in your favor.

In addition, it is also important to know what is reasonable to ask and what isn't. You can typically navigate this by knowing whether you are buying in a seller's or buyer's market.

Make the move

After your offer is accepted, you have paid your closing costs and you set a moving date, it's time to prepare for your transition. New York Bride and Groom recommended calling different moving companies for estimates before selecting one. Ask your friends and family who they have had the most positive experience with and who to avoid.

In addition, you should take inventory of all the items you have together. If you have double of anything, you might consider selling or throwing it out. You'll want to have an idea of what you can keep in your house as well. If you purchased a smaller home, you might not have room for your beloved ping pong table. Consider storing more sentimental items if necessary.

Celebrate

After you have completed the process, don't forget to celebrate. Purchasing a new home with your spouse is a significant life event. Enjoy a cocktail or two and treat yourself to a nice dinner with the love of your life in the home of your dreams.