First Time Buyers

Seems complicated and maybe daunting? We were all there before and we are here now to help you pursue the American dream of owning a home or an investment property. If you're thinking of buying a home for the first time, you're probably a bit overwhelmed by the idea of it all. You have to think about whether or not to use a Buyer's agent, how to secure a mortgage, and what exactly it is that you're looking for in a home. Most people forget to do one important thing: breathe.

The search for your first home can be stressful, so try not to put it all on your shoulders at once, we'd be happy to help you get started. Sometimes the most important thing is getting pointed in the right direction. You probably have lots of questions. You are about to be making an important decision for your future, a great investment of both money and time. We have a wealth of experience helping first time buyers like you make sound, informed decisions. Here are some tips that can help make your home buying process successful:

Tip 1: Do Your Homework

The perfect home won't find you by itself. The key step in buying a home is doing the proper research. Educate yourself on local schools, neighborhoods, and the kinds of homes available. By reading available materials and talking with experts, you can start to put together your idea of the perfect home.

Tip 2: Start Planning

Most decisions benefit greatly from proper planning, and home buying is certainly no exception. Start a filing system with sections such as home buying, home financing, and service providers. By forming a home buying plan you can more easily focus on the most important factors and help give structure to the entire process. Our website is a great resource for property information.

Tip 3: Your Mortgage

Deciding on the financing for your home can be as important as choosing a home itself. The first step is deciding what kind of loan best fits you. There are benefits to each form of loan, and WE can provide you with more information and provide you with a list of competent, ethical and experienced Lenders!

Tip 4: Get Pre-Approved

Getting pre-approved for a loan normally only requires a short phone conversation with a Lender and some paperwork; getting a Lender what they need will greatly help your home search. The pre-approval will provide you with an estimated monthly payment and a price range to use as a guide when shopping for homes. Being pre-approved will also often indicate to sellers that you are a serious, prepared Buyer.

Tip 5: Look for Value

When shopping for homes, it's important to consider potential value. Even if you're not planning to sell the home some time down the line, it's a good idea to consider the future value of the home. Protect yourself against things like falling prices and gradual shifts in the nature of the neighborhood. You may not think of a new home as a means to make money, but it's an important investment that requires caution.

Tip 6: Decide What You're Looking For

Settle on the home features that are important to you (covered parking, hardwood floors, architectural style, etc.) and make an ordered list. Having well established guidelines will help narrow down your search and will prevent you from being shown properties that lack your key amenities. It can help you make the decision not to buy an attractive property that doesn't really fit your needs. Our website has a search feature that allows you to filter thousands of listings based on attributes that you select. If you know you want a Ranch Home with gas heat and a two-car garage, you can get the results you're looking for.

Tip 7: Relax

You don't have to make an offer on the first home you see. Make sure to look at other listings in the area to get a feel for the marketplace. When you decide to make an offer on a house, consult with your real estate professional so that all your questions are answered.

Tip 8: Protect Yourself

Be careful when signing a contract on a home that allows you to find financing, have the home inspected, and work through any problem areas that may arise. Paying for a quality home inspection is absolutely crucial! You can save yourself thousands in repair costs by being sure of what you're getting into.

Ready? We’ll be here for YOU! Here are some ways that you can benefit from the help of a real estate professional:

• Agents can help establish a plan for a home that fits your needs. Style, size, amenities, and other preferences will help determine what kind of home is best suited for you.
• They will help you to determine realistic spending limits. They can often explain alternative financing options or introduce you to a mortgage counselor. Agents can arrange to have you "pre-approved", which can help improve your positioning in negotiations.
• Their access to all home listings within the multi-listing system enables them to evaluate based on your affordability and the qualities you desire.
• They have access to information on taxes, real estate values, utility costs, and municipal services, all of which can aid you in your decision to buy.
• They provide direct service by working for you as a buyer's agent, helping to negotiate the best terms and price for you.
• They can make you comfortable with the closing process and they will obtain closing figures in advance for your review.
• They can recommend home inspectors, pest inspectors, and surveyors, and can help arrange inspections.

These are just a few ways that we can help you in your journey towards buying your very first home. We’re confident that we can provide the kind of exceptional service that will make this process an exciting one. Please don't hesitate to call or e-mail us with any questions you may have.