4 Tips to help First Time Homebuyers find their perfect home

This is a perfect time to buy your first home! Most of the time first time home buyers are considered young couples but my experience has shown me that anyone of any age who hasn't owned a property in the last three years is considered a first time home buyer. So grab a cup of coffee, relax and enjoy reading my top 4 tips for first time homebuyers.

Tip #1 Get pre-approved. Unless you're going to pay cash, you must be preapproved by a lender PRIOR to beginning your house search. If you don't do this, you'll not know how much house you can afford to pay for. Nothing is more discouraging than seeing the house of your dreams just to find out you can't afford it. Getting pre-approved also means being willing to share all financial, tax, employment records, etc with your lender. Be sure you are comfortable with your lender ... The person is very important to you and the transaction.

Tip #2 If you need to improve your credit, do it. This may slow your house hunting process but don't despair. The time you take now to get your finances in order will be rewarded when all is OK and you're ready to buy.

Tip #3 Decide on your top 4 criteria for your house. If you must have a large back yard, big kitchen, Roman tub, pool, excellent schools, certain location, size, family room, age, construction, big garage ... Whatever it is, list your top 4. These 4 must be a feature of every house you visit. Yes, you can remodel to get features you want but wouldn't it be nice not to have to go through that? With the inventory currently available all over the country, you should be able to find just what you're looking for without too much time or trouble.

Tip #4 Let your "gut" be your guide. When you walk into a house you have about 3 seconds to decide if you like it or not. When you walk into your "new" home, I guarantee you, you'll know it in 3 seconds or less! You'll just feel "at home." I hear it all the time. It's like "WOW, I'm home." When this happens, and often it does before you see the rest of the house, almost nothing will keep you from making this your new home. As a Realtor, this is one of my greatest joys!

I have other posts and more information designed especially for First Home Buyers and Nesters. Please contact me anytime ...