It's already complicated buying a home. Buying your first home can be even more so. There are plenty of guides available for first-time homebuyers to offer advice throughout the journey, but before you get started, there are some key things you can do to prepare. Here's a list of the best things to do before you start actively searching for your first home:
One of the biggest expenses to plan for in buying a home is the down payment. If you opt for paying a larger down payment, you won't have to borrow as much for your mortgage. Larger down payments can also have additional benefits, like securing better interest rates or other favorable terms. Plan to save up enough money to cover a down payment of around 3% of the purchase price and you'll be in great shape to buy your first home.
A buyer's agent will improve and streamline your entire buying experience. A real estate agent will represent you in negotiations and help you with your home search. Their access to special resources and their professional expertise can broaden your possibilities and help you find homes for sale that aren't on the major search portal sites. Working with an agent you trust will take a lot of the anxiety and frustration out of buying your first home.
Finding the right mortgage lender and getting pre-approved for a loan is crucial to the home buying process. A pre-approval serves as proof to sellers that you're financially responsible enough to pay for the house. It also shows that a financial institution has vetted you for things like your credit score, debt-to-income ratio and other factors. Shop around for a mortgage lender before you begin your home search and you'll know how much home you can afford while also improving your chances of a seller accepting an offer.
Buying your first home is a major life event, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. Use this simple list to prepare yourself for the process and find your dream home.
Having provided award-winning service to my clients for the past 26 years, few other REALTORS are trusted like I am. My clients trust my advice, and they know that I will always look out for their best long-term interests. You can expect, and you will receive, personal service that is second to none. When you hire me as your Agent, you will work exclusively with me. I will personally answer your calls and respond to your messages. My promise to you is that I will not hand you off to another member of my team.
I have called Southwest Michigan home for 40 years. My mother's family ran a local locksmith service, and my father served as the Chief Investigator for the County's Prosecutor and Director of Security for the Whirlpool Corporation office for many years. I love all that this area offers, and I enjoy serving the buyers and sellers who are moving in or out of
Southwest Michigan.
My wife and I have two children, and we would not want to raise them anywhere else. Between the award-winning schools and the plethora of youth activities available in Southwest Michigan, it's a great place to call home. We enjoy spending time with friends at the beach, boating, golfing, hunting, skiing in the North, and fishing.
I give back to the community that has been so good to us. Currently, I serve on the Lakeshore Public Schools Foundation Board (LEF), as Past President of the St. Joe Kickers Sports Club, and as a Rotarian in the Stevensville-Lakeshore Rotary
Club. We donate throughout the year to various local organizations, schools, Fine Arts Programs, and youth sports groups.
I want to leverage my experience and knowledge to benefit you. I have sold over 700 properties and earned the respect of my fellow REALTORS, who have voted me "REALTOR of the Year." I am confident I can earn your trust as well.
Looking to buy, sell, or invest in real estate? Allow me to serve you, and I promise you will not be disappointed.