First-Time Homebuyers ‘Mistakes and Tips’

Many Realtors, and real estate professionals agree on the following  ‘Common Mistakes of First Time Buyers’ such as

• not asking enough questions
• don’t act quickly enough to make decisions
• don’t find the right agent willing to help
• don’t do enough to make their offers look good
• they don’t think about resale and resale values before they buy

Those same Realtors, and real estate professionals agree on the following ‘Tips for First-Time Homebuyers’

• like being more picky
• stop being unrealistic
• doing your homework before you start looking
• getting your finances in order
• not asking too many people for their opinions
• deciding when you can move
• start thinking more long-term
• don’t let yourself be house poor, don’t be naïve
• Most Important: Get help from a REALTOR, or real estate agent, when you are ready to purchase your first home.

Smart House Hunting

Often when I am showing properties to clients I see that they are getting weary. It is no wonder as serious house hunting can leave you totally worn out and confused.  It is hard to remember which house had the great back yard and kitchen and which one you ruled out because of something you did not like.  Some of the houses you visited looked familiar,like maybe you had seen them before. How can you keep it all straight?

• Take notes when visiting different homes or video tape as you are viewing the property. Note the address, style and exterior color, as well as something special about the house that will help you to remember it. Make a special note if a house has possibilities or if its just a dud. Jot down the good aspects and the bad aspects of each property and share this information with your Realtor or real estate agent. This will help you to narrow down the houses so that you can start focusing on other things that will help get the buying process started.

Is now a good time to buy a home?

I get asked this all the time.  And my answer is always the same, “Yes!”  Here are just a few reasons why:

1.  Buyers Market!  Right now we are in a buyers market.  The inventory of homes is high and prices have still not bottomed out.  There is a lot to choose from which gives you more opportunity to find the house that best fits you and your family’s needs.

2.  Low Interest Rates!  Current interest rates are sitting right around 5%.  This is a great time to jump on the lower interest rate as they are expected to start to climb again, soon.  Lower interest rate means a lower payment or a bit more in a house!

3.  Tax Credit!  Whether you are a first time home buyer or a repeat buyer, there is a credit for you.  This is not a tax decuction, it is FREE money!

4.  Buyers agent is FREE!  As your buyer agent, I will cost you NO money for my services!  I am licened in Washington and Oregon and love to help clients find their next home!  Consider me your personal home finder!  Give me a call and put me to work for you.

360-607-4100