Location, Location, Location!

The first rule of real estate: Location, location, location. It is imperative to choose your neighborhood wisely. Your neighborhood is as invaluable as your home—probably more. Why? For starters, your house is only as good as the houses around you. If you are investing on a property for rental, or even making a home your primary residence, thinking of the future is crucial.  There are so many choices in the Hampton Roads Area.  You can be near the Oceanfront in Virginia Beach or out in Suffolk where the real estate is is more country.

Yet, not everything in home buying is all about the location. The type of house you want to purchase is another important consideration because defining it dictates the other requirements: budget, mortgage plan, future renovations, maintenance, etc. The types and styles vary from city to city.  Downtown Norfolk homes for sale are mostly older brick homes where as Chesapeake homes have a more traditional style.

How much can you afford?

Get pre-approved for a mortgage loan. Line up your finances and set aside a down payment. By doing your homework upfront, you will know exactly how much you can afford and what it will cost you. Showing the seller you are preapproved for a loan gives you an edge during offer negotiations. There are many great mortgage lenders here in the Hampton Roads area.  New American Mortgage and Union Mortgage Group are the top two!

List of Needs & Wants.

Make 2 lists. The first should include items you must have (i.e., the number of bedrooms you need for the size of your family, a one-story house if accessibility is a factor, etc.). The second list is your wishes, things you would like to have (pool, den, etc.) but that are not absolutely necessary. Realistically for first-time buyers, you probably will not get everything on your wish list, but it will keep you on track for what you are looking for. 

Focus & Organization.

In a convenient location, keep handy the items that will assist you in maximizing your home search efforts.  Such items may include:

• A file of the properties that your agent has shown to you
• Paper and pen, for taking notes as you search
• Digital or video camera to help refresh your memory on individual properties, especially if you are attending a series of showings
• Hampton Roads Map including Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Newport News, Hampton, Chesapeake and Suffolk.

Visualize the house empty & with your décor.

Are the rooms laid out to fit your needs?  Is there enough light? 

Be Objective.

Instead of thinking with your heart when you find a home, think with your head. Does this home really meet your needs? There are many houses on the market, so don't make a hurried decision that you may regret later.

All the above may seem rather overwhelming.  That is why having a professional represent you and keep track of all the details for you is highly recommended!  Our agents here at 1st Class Real Estate are here to help make your dreams come true.  This will be one of the most important decisions of your life so do it right!  Lean on us!  We'll show you the way!