4 Mistakes First Time Home Buyers in Raleigh NC Make
The home buying process in Raleigh North Carolina can be difficult to navigate without an experienced agent in your corner. If you are a first time home buyer in Raleigh, it can be even more challenging.
Below are my top 5 pitfalls to avoid when buying your first home in Raleigh, NC.
1. They call the listing agent on the sign
When you buy a home... Especially as a first time buyer, it can be a big mistake to pick the phone and call the sign. When buying a home in Raleigh North Carolina, a REALTOR who you have not hired to work for you automatically works for the seller. As a buyer in Raleigh NC, you always want to have representation. The sellers agent is normally paying the commission to the buyers agent, so it should cost you very little, if anything at all to hire your own REALTOR.
The right agent can make all the difference in the world when it comes to your education on the home buying process, and the last thing you need is to walk into a home transaction without knowing all about the process. At The Bruce Hill Group, we make sure to take a consultative approach to home buying in Raleigh, NC.
2. They wait for the perfect home
Unfortunately, when buying a home in Raleigh, NC, there is no such thing as a perfect home. I have seen countless home buyers in Raleigh that pass up on many great homes that would fit their needs, and they end up discouraged and ready to give up. If you are a first time home buyer in Raleigh, take the time to talk to your agent and develop a good expectation of what you are going to get for your money. This will help tame the emotional process of buying your first home in Raleigh.
3. They sleep on the right home in a competitive market
Many home buyers have either experienced the market over the last several years, or heard what the 
housing market has been like in Raleigh. Keep in mind that markets constantly shift, and what worked last year, may not work this year, and what works this year won't work next year. As a first time buyer in Raleigh NC, or a seasoned purchaser, you need to know what sleeping on the right home will do to you. In the Raleigh real estate market, it will very likely cost you the home, as another purchaser will likely scoop your dream home right out from under your feet. We will address this in the next section, but having a plan in place will allow you to make an appropriate and fast offer on your next home. This will block out competition and give you a leg up on other purchasers.
4. They don't create an initial game plan
Whether a first time home buyer in Raleigh NC, or seasoned a creative and comprehensive plan is essential to buying your next home. The key elements to your plan should do the following
- Included a financial plan. Go ahead and get a pre-qualification letter from a reputable and skilled lender. Don't trust published payment amounts on national websites, as these will rarely include insurance, taxes or HOA fees. I can connect you with honest lenders who will help you understand exactly what you can afford and prepare you for a great first step on your next home.
- Map out the exact locations where you want to concentrate your search. Take some time to learn about home values and trends in the neighborhoods where you are looking. Check out school ratings, proximity to parks and recreation, restaurants and more. You do not have to limit your search to one or two neighborhoods, but you should learn about your ideal locations before looking at homes.
- Learn about your expected costs, and prepare your finances for the true price of buying your first home in Raleigh. When you buy your first home in Raleigh North Carolina, you want to learn about available inspections that you may want to have completed on your home. You want to understand what due diligence and earnest money checks are, and learn from myself and our lending partners what we can do to have the seller help you out with some of your closing costs.
All of these tips and more will be reviewed when you begin your home buying process in Raleigh with us at the Bruce Hill Group. Call me today to set up your free consultation.
View all homes currently listed in the Triangle at www.BruceHillGroup.com
If you have a home to sell, learn more about my 29 day home sale guarantee at www.BruceHillSells.com
Comments(1)