| Every American dreams of owning their own | | | | neighborhood you are interested in, and then find |
| home, but in order to make that first time | | | | an experienced real estate agent in that area. |
| purchase, there are several considerations you | | | | They can help you the best price on your |
| should look at first. Once you have worked your | | | | purchase. Make sure the agent is well aware of |
| way through the following ten pieces of advice, | | | | your needs as well as your budget. |
| buying your first home will go much more | | | | If you are on a tight budget, there are still ways |
| smoothly, versus jumping in with no idea what it | | | | of getting that perfect home. Know all your |
| entails. | | | | options and check each one because you may be |
| Always speak first with a professional, such as a | | | | to purchase a home that just needs some repairs. |
| loan manager at your bank as well as an agent in | | | | It could save you thousands of dollars over one |
| real estate. You will need to discuss what you | | | | that is move in ready. |
| looking for before you begin your search for the | | | | Once you have found a potential piece of |
| perfect piece of property. | | | | property, check out what is going on around the |
| Do you know what your credit score is? Get a | | | | immediate area. Is the area positive with growth |
| copy of your credit reports from all three major | | | | and development? If so, chances are the |
| credit companies and look the reports over | | | | property will increase in value over time, and it |
| carefully. Make sure that nothing is on your credit | | | | may be a good investment for you. |
| report that doesn't belong there. | | | | Check the building codes on any home you are |
| Your next step should be to find out what kind of | | | | thinking about buying. You may want to renovate |
| financing can be offered to you. There are | | | | in the near future and you do not want to be |
| several ways to get financing to buy a home. You | | | | restricted to what you can or cannot do. |
| will want a loan and interest rate that is just right | | | | Never buy a home without getting it inspected. |
| for you. | | | | Most of the time, with the except when it is |
| Do you know what kind of a house or | | | | owned by the bank; you can get the current |
| condominium you want to purchase? Consider | | | | owner to either fix a problem, or negotiate the |
| how large do you want it to be and what | | | | price of fixing it right into your offer. This makes |
| features you want your property to have. Are | | | | having a home inspection crucial. |
| you willing to put extra cash into repairs or | | | | The best piece of advice for the first time |
| expansions if needed, and do you want acreage. | | | | homebuyer is to "ask before you buy". If you |
| Each of these factor into what area and price | | | | have questions, don't be afraid to ask them. |
| range you will need to being your search. | | | | Lenders, sellers, and real estate agents should |
| When purchasing a home or condominium, you will | | | | always answer any questions or concerns you |
| need to have a general idea of what | | | | have - before you sign on any dotted line. |