What is the First Step To Buying?

Some fellow Realtors will not like this post.  In parts, it is encouraging you to waste our time.  But, it is what it is. 

Once in a while someone will call or e-mail me with a very simple question.  It goes something like, "I think I want to buy a house.  What is the first step?"  Yes, there are stock answers.  But, there is no one way that must be followed.  Some people need to follow the steps a little out of order, or they just want to take things slower or faster than others.

So, here are a few of the first things that you MAY want to tackle when you are beginning the process:

1. Talk to a mortgage professional of some kind.  It can be your bank or credit union, or a broker.  Please don't go on-line- you should talk to someone.  This will give you an idea of how much you can and should afford to spend.  Do you think this is putting the cart before the horse?  Well, it is... kinda.  Like when I was thinking about buying, I looked around a little first to see what number I would be looking for when I went for an approval.  But starting with the bank can keep you from looking at things that are far too expensive.  That usually leads to a broken heart.
2. Go on-line.  Look around at your local sites to determine what it is you like and don't like.  Establish a list of neighborhoods and other must haves or must not haves.
3. Go to some open houses.  Even if you're not really thinking that this will be the house for you, it's a good idea to get educated on the market.  That way, you will really know a good deal when you see one.  There is no substitute for practice and experience.  This is why you will eventually want a buyer's agent.
4. Call an agent.  If you have trouble with any of the steps above and find yourself saying, "How do I do that?  Where do I find it?  Who do I call?"  then you might want to start with an agent.  We have lists of contacts and websites to help you get started.
5. Okay, this is the one.  Go see some stuff.  Don't spend days, but just pick a few houses and go see them with an agent.  You will know by how you respond if the time is right for a move.  You will know because you will be trying to make houses work rather than seeing everything wrong with them.

These things are all important when you are beginning to think about buying, but everyone needs to take different steps at different times to feel comfortable.  You have to do what feels right to you.  Because what feels right usually is right.