Guide To Buying A Home First Time Buyer ⇒

Before looking at listings, look at your bank account. You need to account for three main costs:

To help me tailor a more specific plan for you, could you tell me: What are you looking in? What is your target budget ?

Shop around. Even a 0.5% difference in interest rates can save you tens of thousands of dollars over the life of a 30-year loan. 4. The Hunt and the Offer guide to buying a home first time buyer

Hire a professional to check the bones of the house. If they find a cracked foundation or a failing roof, you can ask the seller to fix it, lower the price, or you can walk away with your deposit intact.

Don't drain every penny. You’ll need a "maintenance fund" for the inevitable leaky faucet or lawnmower purchase that happens the week you move in. 2. The Pre-Approval Power Move Before looking at listings, look at your bank account

A good Realtor is your advocate. They find listings, schedule viewings, and—most importantly—handle the intense negotiations. In many cases, their commission is paid by the seller, making their expertise free for you.

Budget an additional 2% to 5% of the home’s purchase price for taxes, lender fees, and title insurance. Shop around

A "pre-qualification" is a quick estimate; a is a lender’s commitment to lend you a specific amount. In a competitive market, sellers won’t even look at your offer without a pre-approval letter. This step also helps you set a realistic budget so you don't fall in love with a house you can't afford. 3. Assemble Your Team You don't have to do this alone.