Home Buying Tips: Series 1

Purchasing your first home is a big step, that comes with some very serious decisions. Many homebuyers are intimidated by the process, and continue renting much longer than they should, or need to. However, if you break the homebuying process down into these simple steps, and follow these important tips, you will find the process less intimidating, and much more manageable. This week I will share 7 tips to help you along the way, here is the seventh:

7) Make Your Decision!!! Homebuyers often hesitate after theyve found the right home because theyre not confident about their decision, or their decision-making process. Your home is probably the largest investment of your life, and its normal to feel butterflies in your stomach before putting your first home under contract. However, if you do your due diligence - and you have if you followed the steps above - then you will have your bases covered. If youve found a home that meets all of your must haves, most of your wants, is in the right neighborhood, and in your budget its the home for you! Dont wait and let another buyer take YOUR home! Buying your first home can seem very intimidating, but can be extremely exciting. If you think that buying a home is right for you, it probably is. Make sure and follow these important tips and you'll know you made the right decision when you find your first home. By:Eric Bramlett

Home Buying Tips: Series 1

Purchasing your first home is a big step, that comes with some very serious decisions. Many homebuyers are intimidated by the process, and continue renting much longer than they should, or need to. However, if you break the homebuying process down into these simple steps, and follow these important tips, you will find the process less intimidating, and much more manageable. This week I will share 7 tips to help you along the way, here is the sixth:

6) Pick Your Favorite Neighborhoods You can always make changes to your house, but you can never change its location. Most home buyers already have a good idea of where they would like to live because of school districts, work, or other factors. However, neighborhoods can be pretty different, even in the same area of the city. Ask your Realtor to email you a list of homes in the specific area of town youre interested in. Take a drive through the different neighborhoods on the list your Realtor sends you, and choose your favorites. Pay attention to area amenities, how well the yards & common areas are kept, and if you see a lot of for lease signs which can be an indication of a heavy rental area, and lacking in pride of ownership. After you have picked your favorite neighborhoods, and you know your must haves and wants, you can literally make a list of EVERY home available that meets your criteria, and view those homes.   By:Eric Bramlett

Home Buying Tips: Series 1

Purchasing your first home is a big step, that comes with some very serious decisions. Many homebuyers are intimidated by the process, and continue renting much longer than they should, or need to. However, if you break the homebuying process down into these simple steps, and follow these important tips, you will find the process less intimidating, and much more manageable. This week I will share 7 tips to help you along the way, here is the fifth:

5) Make a List of Must Haves & Wants Many new home buyers mistakenly think that they will just know when they walk into the one. While some buyers DO fall instantly in love with a home, this is not the norm. Youll find your search is easier, and you will be more confident in your decision, if you take a systematic approach to your search. The best way to organize your search is to make two lists: Your must haves and your wants. Your must haves are the absolute necessities in your new home in fact, you dont even need to view a home if it doesnt have every must have. Great examples of your must haves are price, school district, size, etc Your wants are the qualities that you would like for your new home to have, but its not a necessity. Great examples of wants are color, flooring, kitchen appliances, surround sound, and type of exterior. By taking the time to articulate what you need and want in your new home, you will know exactly what to look for when viewing prospective homes. By:Eric Bramlett

Home Buying Tips: Series 1

Purchasing your first home is a big step, that comes with some very serious decisions. Many homebuyers are intimidated by the process, and continue renting much longer than they should, or need to. However, if you break the homebuying process down into these simple steps, and follow these important tips, you will find the process less intimidating, and much more manageable. This week I will share 7 tips to help you along the way, here is the fourth:

4) Consult a Realtor ASAP Many first time home buyers avoid contacting a Realtor because they dislike high pressure sales. However, Realtors have an advantage over traditional salespeople because they have access to the Multiple Listing Service, which is a database that lists roughly 99% of the homes for sale in a given market. This means that your Realtor doesnt have to sell he/she merely presents your options. The most important qualities to look for in your Realtor are his/her knowledge of your specific market and their willingness to help. Interview a few agents and choose one that will help guide you through the process. Youll find the help & insight will be invaluable and youll be glad you contacted your Realtor sooner, rather than later. By:Eric Bramlett

Home Buying Tips: Series 1

Purchasing your first home is a big step, that comes with some very serious decisions. Many homebuyers are intimidated by the process, and continue renting much longer than they should, or need to. However, if you break the homebuying process down into these simple steps, and follow these important tips, you will find the process less intimidating, and much more manageable. This week I will share 7 tips to help you along the way, here is the third:

2) You Dont Need a Down Payment! It always surprises me how many people want to purchase a home, but dont because they believe that a hefty down payment is required. Zero down programs are very common, and are quickly becoming the norm, rather than the exception to the rule. Because your new home is collateral for the loan, there are many banks that will jump at the chance to loan you 100% of its value. Perfect credit isnt a requirement, either. Because real estate typically appreciates in value, its often easier to be approved for a 100% mortgage than it is to borrow 100% for a car! By:Eric Bramlett

Home Buying Tips: Series 1

Purchasing your first home is a big step, that comes with some very serious decisions. Many homebuyers are intimidated by the process, and continue renting much longer than they should, or need to. However, if you break the homebuying process down into these simple steps, and follow these important tips, you will find the process less intimidating, and much more manageable. This week I will share 7 tips to help you along the way, here is the second:

2) You Dont Need a Down Payment! It always surprises me how many people want to purchase a home, but dont because they believe that a hefty down payment is required. Zero down programs are very common, and are quickly becoming the norm, rather than the exception to the rule. Because your new home is collateral for the loan, there are many banks that will jump at the chance to loan you 100% of its value. Perfect credit isnt a requirement, either. Because real estate typically appreciates in value, its often easier to be approved for a 100% mortgage than it is to borrow 100% for a car! By:Eric Bramlett