TIPS FOR FIRST TIME HOMEBUYERS

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Being a first-time home buyer can be both exciting and nerve-racking. Often it can seem overwhelming and you may not know the best place to start. We’ve listed some things to do before and during your home search, to help you along in the right direction.   

       1.       Know your budget – It is important to know what you can afford, so you can rule out homes that are outside of your budget. How much money does your household take in collectively? Make sure that you factor out ALL your expenses: car payments, bills, food, etc. You want to make sure that your monthly note is not going to be outside of your means.

     2.       Save for a down payment – Whether going through the traditional route and getting a loan through a lender, or buying a home through seller financing; you are going to need to have saved up a down payment. How much you have for the down payment can influence factors such as the kind of mortgage you qualify for or the interest rate on your loan.

     3.       Decide what you want – What you are looking for in a house? Consider the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you require. Think about the areas you want to live in and take in to account things such as the school systems or your commute to work. List out all the things that you are looking for and rate them from your highest priority down. Some things you may not be able to get, but taking the time to consider what is most important to you will help you narrow your home search and allow you to think about what may not be as important that you can let go if need be. 

     4.       Do your research – Take the time to look around and see what is out there. Drive around the areas you’re interested in living, go onto home search websites, check Facebook and Craigslist. Relying solely on one avenue to find homes for sale may lead you to miss out on that perfect home.

     5.       Be perceptive – When you’re interested in a house make sure that you take the time to really look at it. Don’t let a fresh coat of paint distract you from looking at the parts of the house that are most important. Look at the roof, the AC system and plumbing. It’s always a good idea to have an inspector come through and do a check to make sure there aren’t any serious problems that need to be addressed.

Buying a home is a big deal, and you want to make sure that you’re taking the time and care into picking the right one for you and your family. It should still be a fun and exciting experience, and one you can be happy and fully prepared to make.

Contact us if you have any questions or to see what homes we may have available! Let us be your Real Estate SOULution! – Where the Soul of Real Estate Meets Integrity & Experience.

Contact us:
www.ibuylouisianahomes.com 225-800-4445

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