For young men and women living in rented houses and apartments, it's difficult see an end to the renting cycle. Rent is paid on time each month, but there's no equity being gained and no investment growth. Then another month passes and it's another round of rent.
If this situation sounds all too familiar, I can help. With my extensive knowledge and experience with first-time homebuyers, I can help you find and finance your first home.
Five Steps to Your First Home
Through my experience as a Realtor for first-time homebuyers, I have created 5 easy steps to follow for purchasing a home. Call me if you have any questions or to get started on finding your home!
Step 1: How much can you afford?
I work with an army of lenders (bigger than a lending tree), which allows me to match you with the lender that best understands your individual needs as a first-time buyer. Together, we can arrange a package to fit any budget, which includes down payment assistance programs, low interest rates, no money down loans and special financing to help you perfect your new home-you know, like getting that big screen TV. Your lender and I can show you how home payments can be as little as what you are currently paying in rent. And once we have a pre-approval-the loan amount you can qualify for-we will start finding your first home.
Step 2: Discovering what you want and need in a home.
It's important for us to talk and determine which things you truly need in your first home and which things are merely wants. Then we will start a search of all the homes that meet your criteria, from resale houses and condos to new home construction. And while you have wants and needs, I have the housing secrets-secrets that reach far beyond what you can find on the Internet. I know about home options that you may have never thought or known about, because my connections lead to new communities, close-out deals or high rises months, even years in advance. Let my expertise and insider knowledge translate your needs/wants into your new pad.
Step 3: Congrats, we found the home of your dreams! Now what?
Once you’ve found your new home, we’ll put together an offer. I will educate you on pricing and show you the range of comparable homes in the neighborhood, and discuss the terms of a contract. With my assistance, we can get the price you want as well as seller concessions, such as closing costs, HOA pre-payments, Home Warranty and more.
Step 4: Your offer was accepted, so when do you move in?
This is where my job really comes into play. Once your offer has been accepted, you need to schedule home and termite inspections. Why do you need these? Without an inspection you don’t know what defects and problems could exist in the home. Rest assured, everything will be fully explained to you along the way and I will ensure you feel comfortable with the information you are receiving. Next, I will coordinate with the other Realtor, the lender, the title company and you to make sure that all deadlines are met for the closing. We want to make sure that on your day of closing there are no surprises so you can walk away with keys to your new home.
Step 5: Congratulations
You are now a homeowner and earning equity in your future! Part of your equity growth includes properly taking care of your home. After closing, you will receive a book of tips on how to maintain your home. And if you need help, I will be available to find reputable service workers for you. That’s because my job doesn’t end when you close on the home; you are always welcome to call me to answer any real estate or home owning questions you may encounter. And you can look forward to an awesome thank you gift from me… I’ve been known to throw housewarming parties, purchase washer and dryer sets or buy flat panel TVs for my new homeowners.
Step 6: Hey, I thought there were only 5 steps.
Ok, so there’s one last step, but it’s the best one. Now that you understand how easy it is to buy your first home, it’s time to contact me and start your first home search!