first time home buyerFirst-Time Home Buyers

Looking for your first home in Palm Harbor, Florida? Use the guide below to teach you valuable tricks and to help avoid the mistakes buyers often come across. We are also here to help any answers you may have before you start the process - don't hesitate to reach out to us!

  • Pre-Qualification: Contact a Mortgage Broker to find out how much you can afford when buying your first home.
  • Pre-Approval:  Being Pre-Approved helps you figure out what you can afford and saves you from going after homes that are out of your price range. Being Pre-Approved shows sellers that you are a serious buyer. Being Pre-Approved you are applying for mortgages and will receive a commitment notice from your lender. This shows the potential seller that you are committed to buying. Pre-Approval Fees usually are obtained when you close your loan.
  • List of Needs & Wants: Make a series of two different lists. Your first list should consist of requirements you have for your future home (Bedrooms, Bathrooms, Square Footage, etc.). Your next list should be additions you would like to have with your home, (Pool, extra vanity space or walk-in style closets.) but are not a requirement. When you are buying your first home, you don’t always find exactly what you are looking for but creating a wish list will help you narrow down the search.
  • Representation by a Professional: Find someone who is on your side. Using a real estate agent who works for you and not the seller will benefit you in getting the best possible sale.
  • Focus & Organization: Make sure to bring these tools with you to get the best out of your home buying experience:
  1. A highlighted map with areas of interest.
  2. Ads and files from your agent.
  3. ALWAYS a paper and pen.
  4. Cell phone, or Camera to record your viewings. (This is especially convenient when you are viewing multiple homes in one day.)
  5. Location: Does this location appeal to you? Is there shopping, schooling, hospitals, and low crime rate in this area? Consider these factors when you are buying a home.
  • Visualize the house empty & with your décor Are the rooms a good size for you? Do you think there is too much or to little lighting in the room?
  • Be Objective: Think responsibly when buying your home. Is this home practical for you and your needs? There will always be houses going on the market. Don’t pick the first one you fall in love with. Keep your options open.
  • Be Thorough: Putting your money fourth now can benefit you in the future. Don’t forget these key tips:
  1. Be sure to provide inspection & mortgage contingencies in a written offer.
  2. Use a professional for any inspections to ensure a job well done.
  3. Ask about taking a second look at the house 24 hours before closing your deal to make sure you absolutely love it and don’t have any second thoughts.
  4. Check and make sure you are getting exactly what you are paying for. Take a thorough look through the property to see all the features you originally fell in love with are still available to you when you buy the home.

All the above may seem rather overwhelming. Having an agent to represent you through this process is highly recommended. Call one our agents today and see what we can do for you.

First Time Buyer? We'll answer your questions!


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