Today I spoke with several 1st time home buyers at my open house.  Many were out for for the 1st time or in the beginning stages of buying a home.

All of them had already spoke with a lender, had a pre-approval and knew what they "wanted" to afford.

I was very impressed as they had educated them selves to do the 1st right steps.

So what is the next step???

The next step is narrowing down your neighborhood(s).  I asked several who attended the open house if this is the area in which they want to be.  Some were not sure yet................

I have to say winter in Michigan, does make this task a little more difficult..........as you are not going to see anyone walking the streets......the kids are not out much right now..............

However there is a lot of on line research you can do.  I was explaining, I would much rather see someone buy a less of home in a neighborhood where they really want to live VS a great home, but not really the neighborhood where they want to live.

Believe me when I say.............the novialty of buying the home will somewhat go away once the mortgage payments starts and you better like where you live.

Where I live, all the neighbors get along and in the very cold months, (when no one really wants to go out) we have dinner together................we borrow sugar, we watch each others homes and feed the pets when some one goes away for vacation................

SO make a list what is important to you in a neighborhood, and in a home..................

Recheck this list before putting the offer on the home, make sure you are not buying emotionally and you buying wisely.

Part 2

Part 3