Buying a home for the first time can be overwhelming... where do you start?  Make your first time home purchase a good experience by following these tips

1.      Ask Questions!  Ask for agent referrals from family and friends and always interview several agents to make sure you find the right fit.  Make sure you get an agent who is knowledgeable in your local market, financing options and national trends.

2.      Research your Home Lender. Your agent is a good source to refer a mortgage lender.  Shop around for your mortgage lender and get pre-approved so that you know what your budget is and you can stick to it.  By being pre-approved, you can move quickly when the right home comes along.

3.      Narrow Down Your Search:  The typical homebuyer looks at 12 homes before buying.  Narrow the field by deciding ahead of time what type of home, neighborhood and area you are looking for.  Do you want to be close to work, want a great place for kids, quality school system, walkability?  Realize you won't find everything you want but keep narrowing the criteria until you come up with the top 5 or 6 "must haves" in the home you choose. 

4.      Look Around You:  It's easy to focus only on the house you are looking at, but pay attention to your surroundings.  What's next door?  Is it near a park or a busy street?  You might consider bringing along a digital camera to help you remember details later.  Start with a close up of the information flyer to help you identify which house is which.

5.      Take a Second Look.  Once you've figured out the houses you are interested in, ask to see them again, you will notice details you overlooked the first time.

6.      Follow Through:  Always get a home inspection done including repair estimates, look into home warranties and make sure you have a reputable title company before you take the plunge.  This is where your agent offers valuable expertise.

Buying your first home is exciting but all the details involved in home buying can be challenging.  Make it easier by following these tips for first time home buyers.

Are you Ready To Buy? Make it happen in 2012.

photo credit: WDanRoberts

Posted in Marketing, Buyer Resources, GenX GenY, Real Estate Market Conditions

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