Buying a new home is exciting! Even more so if it's your first home! You're excited, and a bit nervous as well. After all, it's a lot of money you're getting ready to spend. It's a big investment! But if you're using a Realtor, the process goes much smoother! As a professional, I help you each and every step of the way, from your initial home search until the day you sign your closing documents, and I hand you the keys to that new home!Before you start the process, though, you need to be sure you know exactly what you're looking for. Sure, there are a lot of homes out there in all different price ranges, and in all different areas, all sizes and styles, single family homes vs. townhouses vs. condos....so much to think about! Today, almost 90% of home buyers start their search on line. So chances are right now you're somewhere in the early searching stages. Which is perfectly fine! As you're looking, think about what you NEED in a home, and what you WANT in a home. As well as where you want that home to be located. There's a difference in needs and wants, and I will sit down with you and help you make those determinations, so we can narrow down your choices. Will this be a starter home that you only plan to be in for a few years? Or do you plan on being there for ten or more years as your family grows? Make sure you have an idea of your long term plans. One of the most important steps in the process is talking to a lender for pre-approval BEFORE you start looking. You'll need to know just how much of a monthly payment you can afford, and that will determine what price range of homes to look at. Fortunately, that's another area I can help you in by recommending appropriate lenders. After all, you don't want to fall in love with a home you can't afford, and you don't want to limit yourself to a certain price range and then find out later you could have afforded a bit more! Note: In today's market you need to have a pre-approval letter submitted with your offer on the house you select so that the seller will have a better comfort level with your offer when reviewing it. What time frame are you looking at to be in your new home? Do you need to move right away? Or can you look at your leisure until you find exactly what you're looking for? This will also determine how quickly we need to find the right place. And, do you have money set aside for purchases such as appliances that may not come with the home, furniture, window treatments, lawn mower and other garden equipment, etc. It's a lot to think about.But the bottom line is, I can help you with all of this. That's what a Realtor does. When you're ready, or even if you're just beginning and have some questions, contact me and let's see where you are in the process! And let the fun begin!
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