A chunk of my week was spent working with the Virginia Housing 
Development Authority. Saturday was dedicated to a group of first-time home-buyers. During that time, I realized how easy it is to forget what it's like to be a first-timer. The students in the classes were like sponges. For some, this will be their very first time venture into home-ownership. Others have dabbled a little, but they were all open to learn.
As a real estate broker, it's easy to take the process for granted. I realized, I do it everyday. I know the language, the process and the typical bumps in the road. But, a first-time homeowner may be hearing language for the first time. What is escrow? What creates a credit score? What is a contingency?
Remember, when you're working with any client, but especially with first-time home-buyers, they may not understand the language or the process like you do. It is like a foreign language. Clarify everything, question their understanding and make sure the process makes sense. If not, back up, start over and clarify, clarify, clarify. Be patient, pay attention to the Realtor-ese you use and make sure your client understands the process. A lot of buyers have no idea what you're talking about.
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