One of the services our team at iPartnerMedia offers its clients is content marketing which is a key strategy to an overall search engine optimization campaign. Once content is created it needs to be syndicated (e.g., shared, distributed) and we do that in a number of ways include email newsletters, social media posts and of course, using industry specific platfoms like Active Rain. Here's a recent example of a blog post we published on behalf of Select Real Estate located in the booming Village of Estero (Florida).
5 Things All First Time Home Buyers Should Consider
For first time home buyers, purchasing a house can feel overwhelming. Unlike renting, buying a home involves a long-term commitment. You’re investing in a property in exchange for a sense of permanency and ownership that is an exciting chapter for many individuals and families.
Like your first date, your first job or your first drink, it’s a milestone that will have you giddy with excitement and anxious of the unknown. You’ll chew on countless questions when buying your first home. From finances and budget to community and lifestyle, you quickly realize that there’s more to consider than what is beyond the doorway.
So where do you start?
1.Ask yourself: what can I afford?
This is typically the most obvious question, but it is also a pivotal one. One of the most common mistakes first time home buyers make while shopping for a house is that they only consider the expense of the purchase. However, there are several expenses to consider, including:
- Closing Costs
- Down Payment
- Interest
- Taxes
- Insurance
- Utility Costs
- Cost of Living
- Daily Commute
Before you even begin shopping for homes, sit down and map out your monthly budget. How much money can you put down on a home, and how much can you afford to spend a month in payments and living expenses? Having a concrete number will help you narrow the scope of what homes you can afford and where. You never want to spend above your means so ensure you’re financially ready to put 20 percent down on a house with a financial cushion beyond the monthly costs before making a purchase.
2.Am I Willing to Commit?
Buying a house is a long-term investment. You may not grow old in your first home, but you should anticipate remaining there for at least 5 years if you intend to earn back your expenses when you sell the property. If you’re still restless and anticipate moving within the next few years, then perhaps you should hold off on buying a home for now.
However, if you’re ready to settle down, then now is the perfect time to find and buy a home in southwest Florida!
3.Consider the Neighborhood and Surrounding Area
Don’t just look for your dream home. Make sure that it’s in a good location. Your property’s financial value and your quality of living will depend heavily on the environment you live in. Here are a few questions to consider:
- Is the home part of an HOA? If so, read the contract carefully to ensure you’re okay with the terms of the agreement.
- How far is the commute to work? If you spend half your day driving to and from work, the travel cost and time lost may not make the home worth it.
- What is the neighborhood like? Consider the community the house resides in. What is the social class and average age of the residents in your neighborhood? The right house in the wrong neighborhood can make for a sour experience, and it can affect your property value as the years pass.
- Does the community fit my needs? When you buy a house, you’re buying a ticket into a new community as well. Consider both current and future needs. Is it close to the culture, food, shopping, school systems, and recreational activities that are part of your desired lifestyle?
4.Only Buy What You Can Commit To
Homes are more than just a financial investment. They require both maintenance and upkeep. Consider how much time you spend at home. If your career has you on the road or your hobbies keep you out and about, then a condo might be better than a large home with a high maintenance yard.
5.Explore Your Incentives
There are several different incentives and opportunities for first time home buyers. While getting a mortgage is harder than it used to be, there are other options.
Ready to Buy a Home?
Select Real Estate is dedicated to helping residents buy and sell property in Collier County and Lee County. Contact us today to explore your options! You may be phone call away from discovering your dream home…
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