TIPS FOR FIRST TIME BUYERS - If you are currently in the market for your first home, you probably have lots of questions. You are about to be making an important decision for your future, a great investment of both money and time. I have a wealth of experience helping first time buyers like you make sound, informed decisions. Here are some tips that can help make your home buying process successful:
 

• Tip #1: Do Your Homework
  The perfect home won't find you by itself. The key step in buying a home is doing the proper research. Educate yourself on local schools, neighborhoods, and the kinds of homes available. By visiting my website (www.LynSims.net) and reviewing properties, you can start to put together your idea of the perfect home.
  
• Tip #2: Start Planning
  Most decisions benefit greatly from proper planning, and home buying is certainly no exception. By marking your favorites, you'll start a file that we can review together. My website is a great resource for property information.
  
• Tip #3: Get PreQualified
  Getting prequalified for a loan normally only requires a short phone conversation with a lender, and can greatly help your home search. Prequalification does not guarantee you a loan, but it does provide you with an estimated monthly payment and a price range to use as a guide when shopping for homes. Being prequalified indicates to sellers that you are a serious, prepared buyer.  Deciding on the financing for your home can be as important as choosing the home itself.
  
• Tip #4: Look for Value
  When shopping for homes, it's important to consider potential value. Even if you're not planning to sell the home some time down the line, it's a good idea to consider the future value of the home. You may not think of a new home as a means to make money, but it's an important investment that requires careful consideration. Lyn Sims can show you which areas are the best value and which are not!
  
• Tip #5: Decide What You're Looking For
  Settle on the home features that are important to you (parking, hardwood floors, architectural style, etc.) and make a prioritized list. Having well established guidelines will help narrow down your search and will prevent you from being shown properties that lack your key amenities. It can help you make the decision not to buy an attractive property that doesn't really fit your needs. My website has a search feature that allows you to filter thousands of listings based on attributes that you select. If you know you want a brick house with gas heat and a garage, you can get the results you're looking for. MY WEBSITE SHOWS YOU ALL THE HOMES LISTED FOR SALE - ALL IN THE SAME PLACE - NO NEED TO JUMP FROM SITE TO SITE TO FIND YOUR PERFECT HOME!
  
• Tip #6: Relax
  You don't have to make an offer on the first home you see. Make sure to look at other listings in the area to get a feel for the marketplace. When you decide to make an offer on a house, I'll be there so that all of your questions are answered.
  
• Tip #7: Protect Yourself
  Paying for a quality home inspection is absolutely critical! You can save yourself thousands in repair costs by having a professional evaluate the soundness of the home you are considering. Never give up your right to a home inspection - the costs is usually around $350.00 and is worth every penny in your peace of mind! 

More information for first time buyers can be found on my website, by giving me a call, or emailing me at LynSims@msn.com.   I'm confident that I can provide the kind of exceptional service that will make this process a funa and rewarding one.  Don't hesitate to contact me with any questions you may have, I would love to be of assistance to you.

Lyn Sims (847)230-7324 or (800) 637-9345 Outside IL

Lyn and the "Blog Dog"

 "Blog Dog"©2008 Lyn Sims