Tips for First Time Home Buyers

Before you begin seriously shopping for a home, there is some groundwork that you need to do, if you'll pardon the pun. A little preparation before you buy can put you in a great negotiating position.

Start Now

Hire a real estate professional. Communicate your wants and needs and let him or her start looking for the right home to meet your needs. Yes, you can look at homes on sites such as Realtor.com and Zillow.com, but your real estate professional has access to homes as soon as they come on the market. He or She can also network with other professionals to be on the lookout for you. He or She might hear about the perfect home before it hits the market, giving you – his or her client – the advantage. Many agents have their own app linked to their local Multiple Listing Service (MLS), and can offer you an easy way to search and save your favorites with the most accurate information.

Check and Repair Your Credit

If you haven't already been approved by a lender, you need to make certain your credit is in order. The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires that the three nationwide consumer credit report companies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) must provide you with a free copy of your credit report and FICO scores once a year, upon request.

You can order the reports by visiting annualcreditreport.com or call 1-877-322-8228. This organization is authorized to give free credit reports and scores, with no contingencies. If you find a ding or an error on your credit report, take care of it immediately. Dispute an inaccurate item on the report by contacting the consumer reporting company and the information provider in writing.

Don't Inadvertently Raise Your Credit Scores

Lenders look at more than how much credit you use. They also take into consideration how much credit you have available (debt-to-income ratio). Now is not the time to be opening any new accounts or closing any accounts. Don't purchase furniture or a new car or any big ticket item before buying a home.

Get Loan Pre-Approval

Don't start house hunting without knowing how much home you can buy. In order to determine how much you can buy, you must apply for a loan. In doing so, you will have to share information concerning income, work history, debts and other personal information with the lender. A preapproval letter will open doors with sellers because it demonstrates that you are serious and prepared to buy.

Don't Expect Perfection

Have realistic expectations about the home you may purchase. If you're shopping for an older home, expect to do some cosmetic work. Ignore the wallpaper and carpet color, and instead, take a good look at the bones of the house. If you are purchasing a New Construction home, the Builder will complete a "Punch Walk Inspection" with you upon request. This will allow you the opportunity to point out anything you would like addressed prior to closing. Keep in mind a home is made of naturally made items, and some homes will have minor imperfections. Other items to consider: Does the floor plan work for you? Is it spacious enough? Does it have the amenities you want? Can you fix what doesn't work reasonably? Most cosmetic changes are relatively inexpensive. In some case, you can even pay for the cost of remodeling with your mortgage loan. It is important that your communicate remodeling possibilities this with your lender ahead of time.

Think Long-Term Investment

Buying a home can be a wise financial investment, if you buy right and hold your home for long-term gain. Because of closing and moving cost, it is nearly impossible to buy a home and sell it immediately for a large gain. However, it is possible to sell the home after a few years with no capital gains tax and ideally make a profit. Look at your home as a home, rather than part of your portfolio. Home is where you'll collect your happiest memories, and that can be the best investment you ever make.