Four Things to Get Ready to Buy Your First Home

by Debbie Goldberg 10/06/2019

It is not just enough to think about buying your first home. It is a life-changing experience that can have more twists and turns than a Hollywood soap opera. Homebuying can also be an enjoyable experience if you put in steps to get ready for the process well before it gets started.

Here are four things that you must do to prepare for buying a home.

Check your credit report

The most critical factor in buying a home is your credit report. This report is what mortgage lenders use to determine your eligibility for a mortgage loan. Many things affect your credit report and add up to your credit score. Find a free or paid website to check your credit report at least twice a year.

Build your credit history by also making sure that you don’t default on credit card payments and other bills. If you already have delinquent accounts on your credit report, work with the creditor to bring it back up to date. If there are mistakes on your report, contact the reporting credit bureau to address it.

Have a budget

Budgets come out of taking a long, hard look at your current financial situation and deciding how much down payment you can afford to pay. Your economic condition affects the type of home that you can buy and your ability to pay your mortgage conveniently. Also, try to budget for other expenses like homeowners' insurance, closing fees, inspections, and possible renovations or improvements. Use a mortgage calculator online or with your real estate agent to play around with the amounts to find the sweet spot for you.

Get pre-approved for a mortgage loan

Before you start looking for a house, you should get pre-approved by your bank. Not only does this give you a stamp of approval that you are ready to buy a home, but it also gives you an edge over other buyers as the sellers know there will be a quick closing on the sale.

Find a Real estate agent

Navigating the real estate market by yourself is not advisable. Many pitfalls exist of which you may not be aware. To make your dream of owning a home a reality, find a real estate agent that is professional, has your best interest at heart and honest. This person will help you get the best deal for your money and also have a smooth buying process.

Do you think now you are ready to buy your first home? Call a local real estate agent today to get started.

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About the Author

Debbie Goldberg

I'm a full time Realtor with over 30 years of experience yet young enough to embrace today's ever-changing scope of marketing and technology. Having grown up in Connecticut and moved many times (too many to count!) I can empathize with today's buyers and sellers. Strictly maintaining ethical standards and being a fierce advocate on behalf of my clients are things I take very seriously. As a buyer, you can expect me to listen to and evaluate your real estate wants and needs. I can assist in explaining relevant forms, agreements, and closing procedures. I will guide you through the process of finding the right home, negotiating your offer, adhering to all contract dates and terms as well as final walk through and closing procedures. As a seller, I will listen to and evaluate your goals, needs, and timing in order to properly price your home to get the maximum exposure needed to attract the right buyers. In addition to negotiating on your behalf, I will make sure we communicate throughout the entire process as we navigate the contract terms, finance and inspection contingencies, as well as all closing procedures. I was born in Japan, grew up in Hamden and lived in New York, Ohio and Southern California before settling down in New Haven county to raise two kids, two dogs and a cat. I'm passionate about good food and love to bake. Some of my free time has been spent volunteering at Temple Beth Sholom, a synagogue where my family has been members for over 40 years. I also spend time at Tower One/Tower East, an assisted living center in New Haven where my mother-in-law now resides. 30 years of helping buyers and sellers achieve their goals has given me the peace of mind to know that what I do everyday matters. If you are thinking of buying or selling please keep me in mind.