Home Sweet (First) Home

My Tips for First-Time Homebuyers

Homeownership wasn’t something I thought much about for much of my life. At times I considered buying a “fixer upper,” or even something new, but then came the fears. Can I really afford a mortgage? What if the water heater breaks? Do I really care about paying into my own equity instead of my landlord’s? Is it really that inconvenient to ask the property manager’s permission when I want to get a pet or make cosmetic changes? Isn’t it easier to have someone else in charge of home maintenance, etc? Then there were the occasional flashes of inspiration, and I would take a step or two in the direction of homeownership.

Without knowing it, these hesitant steps forward and back were the beginning of my first home purchase process. Now that the closing documents are signed, and I’m settling in, here a few helpful tips I picked up along the way.

Check Your Credit Report

It’s important to get a clear picture of your credit score, as well as the details on the report. I had a couple of items I needed to take care of, and in the time it took to address them, I also continued to practice care in using credit. By the time I was serious about applying for a mortgage I had a healthy credit score and wasn’t caught by surprise by unexpected issues. 

Work with a Realtor and Lender You Trust

Buying a home is a big deal, and it made a difference that I had a realtor I was comfortable with who also advocated for my best interest in areas I didn’t know to consider. Trusting my lender and also getting a second opinion when I received the loan offer were critical to my ability to take the next steps with confidence.

Know What You Want but Also Be Flexible

I always wanted something with “character,” but when the opportunity for a brand new townhouse presented itself I realized the beauty of not having to worry about the age of the roof or whether the appliances would give out after move-in. Also, considering the immediate surroundings and how much work I wanted to do on lawncare, and exterior maintenance drove my decision about the size and location of the home.

Have a Discerning Eye

Buying a new build meant I got to watch construction from the concrete pad to the roof and landscaping. I took many trips to check on the progress, and then for the final walk through I made sure to slow down and really look at the details. Many new construction homes have a warranty to cover things you don’t catch on that last visit before settling on the purchase. But I had a chance to put “blue tape” on areas where I saw imperfections – think paint smudges, water pressure issues, and making sure all electrical outlets and switches are working properly.

Don’t Forget About Fido

If you’re moving with a pet, like I did, be sure to have as many items that smell and feel like “home” as you make the transition. I got rid of a lot of things but happened to buy a new dog bed a couple weeks before the big move, and that gave my pup a sense of stability as everything else was in limbo.

Register Your Appliances

If you move into a new home or you purchase new appliances, be sure to take advantage of product warranties by registering the equipment within the allotted time.

Say Hello to the Jones’

True story: my neighbor brought me a warm loaf of pineapple banana bread soon after I moved in. I gave her a thank you gift, too, and slowly got to know all my immediate neighbors. It’s important to become a part of the community soon – you’re going to be there for a long while.

So far buying and owning a home has been a true adventure. I’ve learned a lot about things like temporary paper blinds, weighing the pros and cons of keeping/buying furniture, and even how to pack a moving storage unit (another tip: enlist the help of experienced friends, if you don’t have the track record yourself). And here’s my last takeaway: if you’re on the fence and opportunity knocks, I’d say go for it! I also happen to know a great lender… primismortgage.com 😊 

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The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations to any individual.