First Time Home Buyer

If you are a first time home buyer, use the guide below for helpful hints and tips and learn how to avoid common mistakes when buying your first home.

• Pre-Qualification: Meet with a mortgage broker and find out how much you can afford to pay for a home.
• Pre-Approval: While knowing how much you can afford is the first step, sellers will be much more receptive to potential buyers who have been pre-approved. You’ll also avoid being disappointed when going after homes that are out of your price range. With Pre-Approval, the buyer actually applies for a mortgage and receives a commitment in writing from a lender. This way, assuming the home you’re interested in is at or under the amount you are pre-qualified for, the seller knows immediately that you are a serious buyer for that property. Costs for pre-approval are generally nominal and lenders will usually permit you to pay them when you close your loan.
• List of Needs & Wants: Make 2 lists. The first should include items you must have (i.e., the number of bedrooms you need for the size of your family, a one-story house if accessibility is a factor, etc.). The second list is your wishes – things you would like to have (pool, den, etc.) but that are not absolutely necessary. Realistically for first-time buyers, you probably will not get everything on your wish list, but it will keep you on track for what you are looking for.
• Representation by a Professional: Consider hiring your own real estate agent, one who is working for you, the buyer, not the seller.
• Focus & Organization: In a convenient location, keep handy the items that will assist you in maximizing your home search efforts. Such items may include:

1. 1. One or more detailed maps with your areas of interest highlighted.
   2. A list or file of the properties that your agent has shown to you.
   3. Paper and pen for taking notes as you search.
   4. A camera to snap pictures of homes you have toured to help you remember your favorites and features you really liked.

   Ready to Start Your Search?

   Name(Required)

   First Last

   Email(Required)

   Phone(Required)

   Will you be buying with another person?(Required)

   Yes - Spouse/Significant OtherYes - Other Family MemberYes - Friend/OtherNope, Just me

   If yes, would you share their name?

   The best number to reach them?

   This way everyone is on the same page for group texts and calls.

   The best email to reach them?

   Have You Bought A Home Before?(Required)

   Yes, Under 3 timesYes, Over 3 timesNo, this is my first time

   Do You Have A Home To Sell?(Required)

   NoYes - it's not on the market yetYes - it's on the market

   Property Type You're Interested In:(Required)

   Select OneCondominiumSingle Family ResidenceTown HouseInvestment PropertiesCommercialLand/LotVacation PropertiesOther

   Have You Obtained A Pre-Approval Letter?(Required)

   No, not yet.Yes, I have one in hand.No, I am paying cash and have a Proof-of-Funds Letter.

   Area(s) of Town You Are Interested In:(Required)

   When Are You Looking to Start The Process?(Required)

   Less Than 30 Days30-60 Days60-90 Days90-120 Days120-180 Days180+ Days

   When Do You Need To Be Closed And In The Property By?(Required)

   Less Than 30 Days30-60 Days60-90 Days90-120 Days120-180 Days180+ Days

   Do You Have Any Up-Front Concerns Or Needs When it Comes To Buying A Home?(Required)

   What else can you tell me to make the most out of our first call?(Required)

   How Did You Hear About Me?:

   Consent(Required)

   By submitting this form, you agree that Robbie English and representatives of Uncommon Realty may contact you by phone, email, or text regarding your inquiry. Consent is not a condition of purchasing any property, goods, or services. Message and data rates may apply.

   CAPTCHA

   Comments

   This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

• Visualize the house empty & with your decor:  Are the rooms laid out to fit your needs? Is there enough light?
• Be Objective:  Instead of thinking with your heart when you find a home, think with your head. Does this home really meet your needs? There are many houses on the market, so don’t make a hurried decision that you may regret later.
• Be Thorough:  A few extra dollars well spent now may save you big expenses in the long run. Don’t forget such essentials as:

1. 1. Include inspection & mortgage contingencies in your written offer.
   2. Have the property inspected by a professional inspector.
   3. Request a second walk-through to take place within 24 hours of closing.
   4. You want to check to see that no changes have been made that were not agreed on (i.e., a nice chandelier that you assumed came with the sale has been replaced by a cheap ceiling light).

All of these first time home buyer tips may seem rather overwhelming. That is why having a professional represent you and provide first-time home buyer services that are ideal for you and keep track of all the details for you is highly recommended. First time home buyers can benefit from educated, experienced, and entrusted representation. Please contact me directly to discuss any of these matters in further detail.

You Might Also Find These Helpful

• First Time Homebuyer Tips
• Building and New Construction
• Real Estate Closing: Now What?
• Financial Terms Glossary

Worth a look if you’re still researching this: First Time Buyers – Buying Your First Home.