The home buying process can be scary and intimidating. If you are interested in purchasing your first home now is a great time to buy.

There are a lot of players in the home buying process in New York State. Here in Cayuga County you have your real estate agent, your lender and the closing attorneys.

The real estate agent should be your first point of contact. You should set up an initial meeting with a real estate agent. When I sit down for the first time with a potential client I will answer any questions that you may have and get a feel for what you are looking for. I will recommend a couple of lenders that will be most able to serve your needs and go over the closing process with you.

You will want your agent to specialize as your buyer's agent which means that they will be working exclusively for you and looking out for your best interests. You do not want to go to an open house and purchase from that agent. They are in a contract with the seller stating that they represent their best intrests. Engaging into a contract with a Buyer's Agent will ensure that you get the best price for the house and that your interests are represented fairly. The best part of being a buyer is that you get to have your own exclusive agent working for you and the seller actually pays for these services!

Your next step is to contact the lender and get prequalified. The lender will tell you exactly how much you can afford and will issue a prequalification letter.

After speaking with the mortgage lender you can start your home search! Your agent will be able to pull up listings that suit what you are looking for and begin showing you houses.

Once you find a home you like your agent will take you through the offer and negotiation process. Once you have negotiated the terms of the contract the closing process will begin. I will be explaining the Real Estate Closing process in my next post.