A Series for the First Time Homebuyer - Nashville Style! STEP TWO: Find a REALTOR and start looking!

 A Series for the First Time Homebuyer - Nashville Style! STEP TWO: Find a REALTOR and start looking!

So you have decided that you want to take advantage of the First Time Home Buyer's $8000 Tax Credit?!!  This may be a great idea for you because in Middle Tennessee, you have got LOTS of homes to choose from!  Your dream of homeownership may soon become reality!

If you have never bought a home before (believe it or not, a "first time home buyer" just means that you have not owned a home in the past three years), the idea of it might be a little bit daunting.  This series that I am putting together strives to help clarify the steps that will lead you into your new front door!

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STEP ONE of this series dealt with FINDING A LENDER and getting yourself pre-approved for a loan (if you aren't going to pay cash). 

Once you have achieved this step, then you are ready for the fun part to begin!

It's highly likely that you have already been looking through listings online and, now that you know what price range to be searching in, you are ready to find a Realtor.

(Obviously, I am a Realtor, so I hope that you will take the next step and email or call me!)

But, if you are reading this in another state or for whatever reason want to select someone different, then here are some guidelines to help you find what you are looking for. 

Look online.  Read blog posts of potential realtors.  Look for someone who specializes in first time homebuyers or someone who specializes in the neighborhoods that you are looking in.  These people will most likely be the most knowledgeable. 

Go to open houses in the neighborhoods that you are considering.  You will be able to meet Realtors who work in those areas and get to know them a little bit.  Doing this will also give you a feel for what the price range in each neighborhood will get you. 

Interview different potential realtors.  Ask as many questions as you like of each one.  Don't ever feel that your questions are "stupid" - a good realtor will understand that as a first-time homebuyer you will be needing extra attention and guidance.

Okay, hopefully that helps a little as far as selecting a realtor. 

Here are some suggestions when looking for a potential home.  The number ONE thing to remember is that PICTURES ONLINE CAN BE DECEIVING!!!  Don't always judge a house by the pictures online. 

Definitely go and drive by homes you think you might like.  It's not a good idea to knock on doors to try and look inside without an appointment, so if you are wanting to look inside, then contact your realtor to schedule a time to do so!

Also, if you are not familiar with the neighborhood, definitely drive by at night and see if you feel comfortable. 

Here are a couple of links to research neighborhoods and zip codes:

www.zipskinny.com

http://pdmap2.police.nashville.org/

http://www.tennesseeanytime.org/about/records.html 

To receive information about the average prices per square foot for houses in Nashville / Davidson County, Brentwood, Franklin / Williamson County and beyond, ask your realtor to run "comps" - comparable market analysis' in each neighborhood you are looking in.  A lot of online real estate websites will give you a clue about these comps, but the true numbers will come straight from the MLS.

So what are you waiting for?!!!  Go ahead and start looking and get yourself a great realtor!

GO TO STEP 3.

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If you are interested in selling or finding a home in Green Hills, Downtown, 12th South, or Oak Hill area of Nashville, or would like to look at other real estate for sale in the Middle Tennessee area, please search the MLS HERE.  Please note:  You will have to register with my site to be able to search the MLS.  I will contact you initially and all requests thereafter for privacy will be respected.

Looking to move?  Wanting to Invest?  Need help as a First Time Buyer?  Please feel free to call me, Emily Lowe (yes, I'm a Realtor, with The Lipman Group Sotheby's International Realty) at 615.509.1753