I want to preface this article by saying that I love
working with first time homebuyers.   There is
nothing more satisfying to me than being part of
someones first home purchase and helping them
through the process.   I have actively worked
with the "first-timers" throughout my 10 year
real estate practice in Macomb County and hope
to continue for many many more years to come.

Usually after closing those wonderful first time home
buyers will ask themselves this question:
 
"Now what???"

The emotions and responsibility can be stressful
but doesn't have to be if you remember a few
guidelines to help you get through the first year
of home ownership. 


 









You don't need to buy new furniture or
flooring right away. If you can postpone
"new"  for the first year you will be doing
yourself (and your  budget!) a big favor.
If your home has hardwood floors under
the carpet, expose them!  More often
than not they don't need to be refinished.




A healthy scrubbing followed by a conditioning coat of hardwood floor
restoring oil can and does work wonders. 

Gently used furnishings can often be found at estate sales, thrift stores,
Grandmas basement, you get the idea.  My own son found a beautiful
bedroom suite on Craigslist for under $400 complete.The quality was
remarkable. He now has a gorgeous bedroom without going into debt
for it. Add a fresh coat of paint and expose that hardwood and you have
a brand new room that is all you!

Please don't go into debt with the "90 days same as cash" or "One year
without payments" deals that you see at furniture stores.  It will be hard
enough for you to get used to making the mortgage payments the
first year.  Unless you have cash tucked aside to pay for new furnishings,
buy used or shop at Grandmas.

Change your locks or have them re-keyed.  We
never know how many people had keys to your
home. (Neighbors, relatives, friends.) If you have
good door locks now you can simply call a locksmith
and have them re-keyed so that previous keys will
not work on the locks again.

If you don't care for the locks or the way they function then simply replace
them and purchase a new set.Make friends with your  local hardware store
clerks, they are more thanhappy to help you through these do-it-yourself
projects.

Try out the mom & pop stores, they help keep the community thriving
and enjoy helping you out and earning your trust and referral business.
The extra dollar or two that you spend at your local small business is well
worth the education you'll recieve and the good feelings that come with
knowing you helped out a new "neighbor" stay in business.










Add extra money to your mortgage payment. If you have your property
taxes escrowed (money put aside through your mortgage company so
that they can pay your taxes for you) it is a wise idea to add some extra
money to it each month.  Almost all homeowners will see a property tax
increase after the following years assessment by the city/township.
(There are a few exceptions to this, but it is rare that they don't increase.)
I will talk with you about estimating this new tax increase and how much
extra cash you should be tucking aside into that mortage payment to help
you avoid a shortage the following year.

If you can be disciplined, by all means put the extra into your savings account
each month. If you're worried you'll raid that savings account, then send off
a little extra each month to the mortgage company and mark that extra "add
to escrow". 

Take time to Celebrate!!!

My first time home buyers in Macomb County Michigan work very hard
to be able to purchase their first homes.  They sacrifice, they scrimp, they
save, they plan, they educate themselves, they allow me to help educate
them.  Don't forget to take the time to celebrate this momentous and
hard earned accomplishment.  Have a house warming party, invite your
family, friends and co-workers.  Please, invite me as well!  I would love to
come and see what you have done to make your first house your home!

                                 Search for homes in Macomb County MI
A partner for your real estate needs.
Serving Metro Detroit home buyers and home sellers.
Full service real estate in Macomb County Michigan.
RE/MAX Advantage 1, Inc. in Chesterfield Township
586-840-1876 (direct line)
http://macombhomes.com


© 2007 Kris Wales