10 steps to buying your first home
Buying your first home can and should be a fun, exciting experience. It will probably also be the single largest investment you ever make. For this reason, it is important to be involved and informed. Use the series of steps below to make your home buying experience smooth and enjoyable.
How much can you afford?
Three elements are crucial to the purchase of a home: the down payment, closing costs and the mortgage. Find out how these components will help you choose your new home.
Choosing between a new and existing home
With their belongings neatly stashed in cardboard boxes, the Smiths entered the market for a new home. The scenarios played out before them. Unsure whether to choose a new home or existing home, they sought out the help of a Realtor and a home builder.
Choosing the right builder
Whether you are buying a condo, a townhouse, a house in a subdivision, or a custom built house, you want to know that you are buying a good quality home from a reputable builder.
Rent vs. Buy, which one is right for you?
Buying a home is part of the American dream - the centerpiece enclosed by a white picket fence. The purchase is a long-term investment and part of finding roots within community. It's also a big responsibility.
Selecting the home for you
Finding a home that suits your needs is a very personal experience. Everyone has different tastes and different needs, so the home for you may not be the home for everyone. Kids, price and location are just some of the factors you will have to think of when looking for a house.
Choosing a neighborhood
When you buy a home, you also buy part of a neighborhood. The two are inseparable and what neighborhood your new house is in is important to take into consideration before you make an offer.
Home Buyer's Checklist
Whether you're still browsing through your first set of homes or are comparing the finalists, this handy printable checklist will help you make the final decision based on a feature for feature comparison.
Negotiating tips
Negotiating the price for your new home doesn't have to be a stressful experience. You can be a successful negotiator if you keep a few things in mind.
First, remember, an informed buyer is a confident one. Negotiations may be like snowflakes, no two are the same, but one thing that can help you in every negotiation is information. Below is a list of questions that will allow you to become well informed heading into negotiations.
Home Architectural styles
Ever wonder what the difference between a Salt Box and a Dutch Colonial is? How about a Greek Revival and a Federal? Well, we've got a very useful list of residential Architectural styles that can assist homebuyers in knowing just what they are looking at.
Walk-through checklist
A house is a big investment and you need to make sure there are no unexpected surprises in your new home. The last thing you want to worry about when you are about to move in is whether your electrical system works, whether the basement leaks, and whether you have an insured warranty to cover it.
Confused about what some terms mean when searching for a home or looking through the classifieds? Let us help. Take a look through our lists of terms to learn the lingo of buying and selling a home.
