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Issaquah First Time Home Buyers - Tips When Buying Issaquah Homes

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Education & Training

Five Tips for First Time Home Buyers in Issaquah

When looking at Issaquah homes, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when navigating through the home buying process, especially if you’ve never bought a home before. Here are five tips for first-time home buyers in Issaquah who wish to purchase their first home or condo:

  1. Do your research: It's important to compare similar properties before placing any offers. Many Issaquah homes - particularly houses built in the last 5 years - have plenty of comparable properties to glean information from. Any experienced buyer's agent will do this as a part of the home buying and negotiation process.  The last thing you want to do is put an offer on a house, pay for appraisal and inspection fees, and then find out the property was overpriced, or worse... you later feel that you’ve overpaid after moving in.
     
  2. Get pre-approved: Perhaps one of the biggest mistakes new home-buyers make is viewing homes without being pre-approved for a loan.  Sellers (and your agent) want to know that you are a serious potential buyer.  The best way demonstrate your serious intent to purchase, is by getting pre-approved; this will indicate that you've already spoken with a mortgage lender, had your credit checked, and that your finances are in order.  The lender will provide you with a letter which your agent will submit with any offers you make. It’s important to consider however, that a “pre-approval” is not an absolute guarantee your loan will go through - especially these days.
     
  3. Be realistic about your budget: Just because your lender pre-approves you for a $2500 a month house payment, doesn't necessarily mean you should look at houses in that price range. Make sure to consider the potential mortgage payment along with your other monthly debt obligations and future savings.  It is important to also consider the inevitable additional expenses associated with owning a home, such as utilities, lawn maintenance, home repairs, etc. Fortunately, there are homes and condos suitable for different budgets in the Issaquah area.
     
  4. Think the long-term: When searching for a houses or condos in Issaquah, think about how long you plan to be there.  If you will be starting a family, you will want to make sure there is plenty of space indoors and outdoors, and that there are family-friendly amenities available in the neighborhood.  In addition, consider where you work, go to church, visit friends & family, your favorite shopping in Issaquah, etc., in order to make sure you're within a reasonable distance.
     
  5. Always order an inspection: Just because you might be looking at a new house or resale home that seems to be in great condition, doesn't mean that you shouldn't get an inspection.  Always hire an independent home inspector to thoroughly inspect any home you wish to purchase - no matter the condition or age.  In addition to examining the overall structure and condition of the home, the inspector will look at the mechanical systems, electrical, plumbing and other important components which could cost you a lot of money to replace or repair should they fail.

Buying your first home is something you will want to carefully consider.  Even in the Issaquah real estate market today, with plenty to choose from, you have to do your research, and be certain that your plans and expectations are realistic before viewing homes.

Posted by

RealFX Group at Coldwell Banker Danforth


Anthony Gilbert, REALTOR® is a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Danforth
serving residential home buyers and sellers on Seattle's Eastside.



The RealFX Group at Coldwell Banker Danforth Real Estate

2111 Northgate Way Suite 101

Seattle, WA 98133

www.realfx.com
www.anthonygilbert.com

Call Direct: 425-677-5603

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