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How Do I Buy a Home for the First Time?

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Real Estate Agent WV0026375

If you have never bought a home before, the first time can be quite difficult. There is a lot that you need to be aware of. Sometimes, it may seem like there isn’t a good source with the necessary information. That’s why getting a real estate agent is the best way to make this process easier. They have sold many homes and worked with numerous first-time buyers. A good agent will know how to guide you through the process. 

 

A home is a major purchase. Making a mistake can be serious, and every first-time homeowner wants to avoid this. Not only are there mistakes that can be prevented, but tips that can be taken advantage of. Knowing these can make the process much smoother for first-time buyers. A house sale can be difficult to close for even the most experienced people.

 

This post will let you know the most important things when buying your first home. This includes the pitfalls to avoid and tips to make the process smoother.

 

Best Realtor in Lewisburg WV - Here are the reasons why getting an experienced realtor can make the home buying process easier.
What Do I Do to Buy My First Home?

 

It would be nice if the process was as easy as money just exchanging hands. Unfortunately, it isn’t this way. A first-time homeowner may need to be guided through the process. The steps below are important to follow when buying your first home:

 

1. Assess your credit score.

2. Seek out a mortgage.

3. Prepare your down payment.

4. Figure out your needs in a home.

5. Begin the search for a home.

6. Understand the expenses that a new home can bring.

7. Finalize the loan.

8. Get a real estate agent!

9. Make an offer.

10. Do your due diligence before closing.



  • Assess your credit score. Very few homeowners will buy a home with cash. This is even less likely for a first-time homeowner. Many will opt for a mortgage to make it more affordable. Not everyone can get a mortgage though. A bank will want to make sure you are likely to be able to pay it back. That is where the credit report comes in. It is important to make sure everything is in order and your score is good. This way, there won’t be any hitches when applying for the loan.

 

  • Seek out a mortgage. It is better to get pre-approved for a mortgage before even looking for a house. There are two important things to know when dealing with a mortgage before a home. These are pre-qualification and pre-approval.

a. Pre-qualification is the quick way to get a guess of how large a loan you can get. This estimate is made by providing some details. These include your income, debt, and assets. This isn’t a formal process that needs to be done in person. A phone call can suffice in getting this done. This is a rough estimate and the actual mortgage can differ significantly.

 

b. Pre-approval is the next step. This is a more precise form of a pre-qualification. A mortgage application must be completed for pre-approval. This includes providing all necessary information and documents. This will permit a full assessment of your financial situation. The bank will be able to give you ‘pre-approval’ for a specific mortgage amount. You can then use this amount as a guideline when searching for a home.

 

  • Prepare your down payment. A mortgage will always require a down payment on the home. In many cases, this will be about 20%. It can be lower than this in some cases, but it is best to prepare for 20%. You will need this money ready for when you’re ready to finalize the loan. Of course, the down payment depends on the type of loan you are applying for.

Homes for Sale in Lewisburg WV - A step-by-step guide in getting your dream Lewisburg WV home.

 

  • Figure out your needs in a home. It is important to list your requirements. Do you want a home with multiple stories? A swimming pool? A large yard? What sort of community do you want to live in? These criteria are important to decide as early as possible. Know which ones are must-haves and which ones can be let go of. This will reduce confusion later on.

  • Begin the search for a home. House hunting is the most enjoyable part of the process. You can look through listings online or get a real estate agent to help. If you’re looking for homes for sale in Lewisburg, WV, you’ll have many options. Take your time to find something that you are absolutely fine with. After all, it is a very long-term decision to make.

  • Understand the expenses that a new home can bring. There are a few small expenses that can show up before finalizing a home sale. This includes inspections, such as home, termite, mold, radon, as well as insurance, and a survey of the property.

  • Finalize the loan. Once you have an idea of the type of home you want, it is time to finalize the process. Officially apply for the loan and collect paperwork from your bank. You will need to get a variety of documents ready. The earlier you do this, the better.

Lewisburg WV Home Value - Understand the expenses that a new Lewisburg WV home can bring.

  • Get a real estate agent! This is all too important. As a first-time buyer, it is essential to have experienced hands to guide you. If you haven’t involved one up till now in the process, it is time. If you’re looking for a home in Lewisburg, WV, you should get an agent with experience in the area.

  • Make an offer. Along with your agent, you should make an offer on a home at this point. It can take 45 days or more to close a sale, so you should be prepared for that. Of course, if it is a cash deal a closing can be two weeks or less.

  • Do your due diligence before closing. You will be required to get home insurance on the property before closing. So if you have made an offer and all is going well, ensure this is ready. If you follow these 10 steps, the process should be much simpler, even as a first-time buyer. With a good agent with you, all bases should be covered.


What Mistakes Can I Avoid with a First-Time Home?

 

  1. You do not need to use as much as your loan allows you. You can get a house for slightly less than what you are allowed by your bank or mortgage company. If it meets your criteria, of course. This will let you be more comfortable with the monthly payment.

  2. Always assess the neighborhood. Public transit, parks, hospitals, grocery stores, and other facilities are important to consider. Scrutinize your credit report. It is common for a credit report to have errors. Look through it and ensure it is accurate. This will allow you a better loan and interest rate.

 

Buying a home for the first time doesn’t need to be scary. It can be a memorable experience if you do it right. With a good real estate agent by your side, it will be a breeze.

In Lewisburg, WV, Rebecca Gaujot, Realtor® is always there to help you buy your first home. You can call her at 304-520-2133 to start looking for your new home.

Posted by

Your Real Estate Connection for Lewisburg, WV and the Greenbrier County

 

   

 

If I can assist you in any way with your real estate needs in Lewisburg, WV, Greenbrier County or the surrounding areas, please feel free to contact me by phone at
(304) 520-2133
, email
or visit my website at

www.lewisburgwvhomesforsale.com/

 

 Fathom Realty, LLC

Martha Hilton, Broker

 

 

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Show All Comments Sort:
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Associate Real Estate Broker

Finding out what they can afford to buy is key and then finding the right agent to take them to the process is next.  No one should just call the name on the sign and ask questions

Jun 06, 2021 04:55 PM
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Hi Rebecca,  Thank you for sharing this excellent post.  You have given first time home buyers the information they need to make this process easier for them.

Jun 06, 2021 05:49 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Rebecca:

This is a well-done and thorough guide for those who are thinking about buying their first home. It’s a tough challenge, especially these days, and the first tasks for buyers in your area is to get pre-approved so they know their buying power AND to hook up within you for the guidance they will need from start to finish. (Have you thought about doing some videos on this information?).

There is so much to know, right? This would make an excellent marketing piece

Jeff

Jun 06, 2021 06:52 PM
Grant Schneider
Performance Development Strategies - Armonk, NY
Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes

Good morning Rebecca Gaujot, Realtor® - you have it laid out and Ed adds that have the right agent is important.  Clearly anyone reading this will know you are the right agent.

Jun 07, 2021 03:38 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Hello Rebecca... was just thinking the other day that I hadn't seen you around in the Rain for a while. Trust you are doing well. Great post, by the way!

Jun 07, 2021 04:01 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Rebecca - let me join the chorus of commenting "it is nice to see you on these pages".  Regardless of when a first time home buying experience occurs, those times can be a bit confusing and perhaps overwhelming.  Proper preparation, upfront knowledge and patience are part of a good plan for participant as well as practitioner.  

Jun 07, 2021 06:20 AM
Patricia Feager
Flower Mound, TX

Rebecca Gaujot, Realtor® - I am thinking of you in your world and wishing you and all your loved ones well. May you be blessed. 

Oct 10, 2021 09:16 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

I hope you are having a very productive year.

Enjoy the holiday season.

Nov 28, 2021 09:41 AM
John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

Excellent advice, Rebecca Gaujot, Realtor®. Buying a home is a big deal and takes more than just saving for a down payment.

Our Team has a booklet that we have created that explains the steps to get ready for buying a home. We provide that booklet to our first time buyers and they find it to be of great value.

Dec 07, 2021 10:40 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

What a wonderfully written post that all first time home buyers should read, Rebecca! Hope you are well and that business is flourishing!

Dec 13, 2021 10:41 AM
Patricia Feager
Flower Mound, TX

Rebecca Gaujot, Realtor® - I miss reading the good posts you've written here on ActiveRain and seeing you around. I miss you. 

Jan 27, 2022 01:35 PM