Tips for first time homebuyers!

Buying your first home can be a very daunting experience. In all likelihood, this is the biggest investment you’ve made in your life, and you may be unclear as to how the process goes.

HGTV paints a picture for buying a home, but it is not a true depiction of what happens — a thirty minute or sixty minute show cannot come close to the real experience, and unfortunately, I think sometimes buyers’ expectations are unrealistic due to their belief that this is how homes should look, or the buying process should be.

SO, what is a first time homebuyer to do?

Search online, and find a local real estate agent who you feel you may mesh with. Contact them, and make sure they schedule a buyer counseling session. They may, before meeting with you, want you to speak with one of their lender partners. DO IT!

That’s the next step. SPEAK WITH A LENDER. First, know there is NO obligation to use that person. BUT, the lender should do a counseling session with you as well. If they aren’t willing to meet with you in person, MOVE ON. Ask your agent for another recommendation.

When you are buying your first home, you need professionals who can help guide you through the process. You need to feel comfortable. AND you need someone who will explain how the process works in your local area. Both your agent and your lender should be willing to take the time to sit down with you and go over the process, learn your wants and needs, and explain your buying power, and what you may be able to get in your desired area.

One thing to note — it may be determined that you need to wait to buy a home. THAT IS OK! Sometimes lenders can recommend the next steps for you to take, and you can revisit buying in 6-12 months or so!

Buying your first home can be a very daunting task. Find professionals who can help guide you through the process!

If you are considering buying a home in Towson, Timonium, or Baltimore, contact me! I would love to help!