Buying a Home-The First Steps

Hello friends, happy Monday. How are you? A while back I had the chance to talk to a good friend who recently made a big decision and now reaping the benefits.  I guess I should tell you what I’m talking about Right! A friend of mine just recently bought her first home and it got me to thinking, how many of us know the first steps to buying a home? Now, I’m not sure if I’ve told you I was once a real estate agent in another lifetime ha! "You didn't know that did you” I’m sure by now you figured that I love real estate along with my obsession with interior decorating. I can’t tell you how many times someone has come to me and said” buying a home is a huge decision” and yes your right. Buying a home is a big decision. Home ownership is one of those unexpected investments. But I believe if the process is done right, home ownership becomes an “intentional investment” that lays the foundation for a life of financial security and personal choices. Although there are many good reasons for you to buy a home but friends did you know wealth building ranks among the top of the list? Hmmm interesting ha! I always say that buying a home lays the foundation for a life of financial security and there are solid financial reasons to support the decision to buy a home, and, among these, equity buildup, value appreciation, and tax benefits stand out. Furthermore let’s talk about the first steps you must make to support your buying decision.

 

1. Decide to buy.

You’ve been living in that small apartment for a few years now. You worked hard and saved as much as possible. Now it’s time to decide to buy a home.

Questions you may ask yourself! First 

Can I afford to buy a home?
If you are paying rent, you very likely can afford to buy.

When is the best time to buy a home?
There is never a wrong time to buy the right home. All you need to do in the short run is find a good buy and make sure you have the financial ability to hold it for the long run.

What if I don’t have a large enough down payment?
The lack of a substantial down payment doesn’t prevent you from making your first home purchase. You don’t always need a large down payment.

What if my credit score isn’t good enough?
A less-than-perfect credit score won’t necessarily stop you from buying a home. Don’t count yourself out before you know all the facts.

This is a complicated process. How do I go about buying my first home?
Base your decision to buy on facts, not fears. Buying a home doesn’t have to be complicated – there are many professionals who will help you along the way. 

 

2. Who to Call First!

The first professional you should call is a loan officer (or mortgage specialist). Make a loan application and get pre-approved and therefore you can determine what you want to pay and secure financing.

 

3. Who to call next?

Hire your agent.
That’s right friends now it’s time to hire your agent better known as Realtor (or Real Estate Agent). The typical real estate transaction involves at least two dozen separate individuals – insurance assessors, mortgage brokers and underwriters, inspectors, appraisers, escrow officers, buyer’s agents, seller’s agents, bankers, title researchers, and a number of other individuals whose actions and decisions have to be orchestrated in order to perform in harmony and get a home sale closed. It is the responsibility of your real estate agent to expertly coordinate all the professionals involved in your home purchase and to act as the advocate for you and your interests throughout.

What Role Will Your Agent Play?

A Buyer’s Real Estate Agent:

1.       Educates you about your market.

2.       Analyzes your wants and needs.

3.       Guides you to homes that fit your criteria.

4.       Coordinates the work of other needed professionals.

5.       Negotiates on your behalf.

6.       Checks and double-checks paperwork and deadlines.

7.       Solves any problems that may arise.

So friends as you can see your real estate agent plays a very important role in helping you purchase your home so make sure you ask the right questions before you hire him/her to help you with your biggest investment. Here are 8 qualifying questions to ask your real agent before you go on your first appointment.

1.       Why did you become a real estate agent?

2.       Why should I work with you?

3.       What do you do better than other real estate agents?

4.       What process will you use to help me find the right home for my particular wants and needs?

5.       What are the most common things that go wrong in a transaction and how would you handle them?

6.       What are some mistakes that you think people make when buying their first home?

7.       What other professional’s do you suggest we work with and what are their credentials?

8.       Can you provide me with references or testimonials from past clients?

Sweet friends now that you have asked the qualifying questions as your starting point in hiring your licensed, professional real estate agent it is now time to go shopping.

4. Let’s Go Shopping!!

Find your home.
You may think that shopping for homes starts with jumping in the car and driving all over town. And it’s true that hopping in the car to go look is probably the most exciting part of the home-buying process. However, driving around is fun for only so long – if weeks go by without finding what you’re looking for, the fun can fade pretty fast. That’s why we say that looking for your home begins with carefully assessing your values, wants, and needs, both for the short and long terms. Let's have some fun with it! Let’s start by looking for style of a home. We’re going to play a little game. Here are few homes in different styles you choose which one suits you most.

 
Which Style Home Suits You Best?

  

Cape Cod Style House

Mediterranean style house

Traditional Style House

Country French Style House

 

Colonial Style House

Victorian Style House

Tudor Style House

Craftsman Style House

Cottage Style

Contemporary Style Home

poll by twiigs.com

Well friends now that you chose the house that most suite your style. The next step will to be make an offer – We will stop here and in our next post we will discuss what comes with making an offer on your home.