As a first-time home buyer, it can be extremely exciting going through the process of purchasing a home. However, sometimes things don’t go as planned and obstacles may have to be faced head on. Surrounding yourself with the right team of professionals is key and can help get you from start to finish as efficiently as possible. Here are some of our recommendations to first time home buyers. 

1.    1)   First and foremost, determine your budget and make sure your finances are in order. Some calculations to consider will be, down payment amount along with what monthly payments you are comfortable with. Also do not forget about closing fees! All of these factors can be discussed with a mortgage lender.

2.     2) Make sure you are qualified by receiving a pre-approval letter. Typically, when being pre-approved, lenders look for tax returns, pay stubs and check your credit score, to name a few.

3.     3) Decide what is most important to you and your non-negotiables. Do you need a 3,000 square foot home with a pool and 5 bedrooms? Or will a 2-bedroom townhouse with amenities be more your style?

4.      4) Researching your neighborhood and being comfortable with what’s around you is certainly a priority to most. Some things to think about are school districts, convenience to transportation and parks, as well as what restaurants and night life is around.

5.      5) Work with a realtor that has your best interest in mind. There are many different websites these days where you can find highly rated real estate professionals in the area you are looking to settle down in. In the end, make sure you choose someone that makes you feel comfortable with your decisions while guiding you through the process.

6.       6) When looking for a home, make sure you also think about the future. If I decide to sell the home, is there a good chance the value of my home in this area will continue going up throughout the years? In a few years will your family be expecting a child or large pet that will require a bigger home and potentially lead you to sell?

7.       7) Once your offer is accepted, do not underestimate the home inspection! Hire a qualified inspector to evaluate the condition of the property. The purpose of this step is to give you the piece of mind that the property is in good condition or if the home has potential red flags.

8.       8) When its time to sign the contract make sure you work with an attorney or title company that explains everything to you and answers all of your questions. You don’t want to miss something or be confused before signing off on one of the most important investments of your life.

9.       9) Always consider the long-term costs of owning a home. Be realistic and open minded that minor repairs or customization will have to be made, whether that's weeks, months or years down the road.

1    10) Most importantly, trust yourself, be patient, and consider your realtors advice to help you close on your dream home!