February 18th, 2010 10:29 AM by Mary Schwarz
I received a call from my nephew who just graduated from college and started his career. He wants to buy his first house but needed to know the process before he could move forward. After a one hour consultation, we outlined his comfortable monthly mortgage budget, the funds required to close, his minimal (realistic) expectations in a home, and the best neighborhoods that meet his needs while staying within his budget.
He left my office with a financial goal that he must meet before I will take him out looking. I left feeling proud that my young nephew has the foundation to plan and save before jumping into his first home.
My advice to all first time homebuyers is to meet with your Realtor, discuss your expectations, budget, and goals. Discuss your options in financing, things to do to improve your credit score, paperwork you will need to have ready for your pre-approval. You may find that saving for 5 or 6 more months will make a big difference in what you can afford.
Plan, plan, plan and you will be amazed how much smoother your first home purchase will go!
Edge offers free, no-obligation First Time Home Buyer consultations. We will help lay the foundation for your first home purchase. Call to schedule today!