The Home Buyer’s Guide for the First-Time Buyer

Buying a home can seem like a daunting task. Home showings, contracts, and fees often overwhelm first-time home buyers.

Even more intimidating is finding a trustworthy real estate agent to do business with. Like in most industries, there are people out there who seek to mislead buyers for their own personal gain.

But, with the proper planning and the right mindset, being a first-time home buyer isn’t so bad.

In fact, it will turn into a learning experience that makes future home purchases much easier.

Many wonder “where should I even begin?” This home buyers guide has everything a new buyer needs.

Read on to discover what every first-time home buyer should know.

1.   Save for The Down Payment

The more money someone initially puts down for his or her house, the smaller the mortgage bills will be. Typically, 20% of the home’s total cost is the gold standard for down payments.

The problem here is that putting this much down at first can be expensive.

For example, imagine a buyer finds a cozy $250,000 home for their family. If they plan on making the down payment 20%, they will need $50,000 saved up in order to do so.

While it is not necessary to put so much money into the home at first, it will help the buyer save money in the long run.

2.   Find a Good Agent

Home buying becomes much easier when the home buyer has an experienced agent helping you along the way. But, there are ways to ensure that a trustworthy agent is found.

Friends and family are great resources to turn to. Chances are, the buyer will know someone who has purchased a home in the area before.

From there, he or she is able to get the agent’s contact information.

Attending an open house is another method to find a reliable agent. Pay attention to how they speak, act, and handle clients. If everything looks good, the buyer may want to consider them.

3.   Don’t Be Afraid to Negotiate

Negotiation is a key tactic when buying a home. Not only will it save the buyer money on the price of the home, it may convince the seller to handle other costs.

If the seller needs to make repairs before the home is sold, negotiating could make it happen. If the market tends to favor buyers, then those looking for a home have a lot more leverage.

They may even pay for the closing costs to get the house off their hands.

4.   Home Buyers Guide Takeaway: Look Ahead

An important fact for buyers to remember is that their home is a place to establish their lives.

Purchasing a home is a long-term commitment, and home buyers should envision their lives years down the road.

As long as the home satisfies future needs and wants, then there should be no issues with the home that the buyer chooses.

A home buyers guide is not the only resource to consult when purchasing a home.