Ready to buy your first home?

Here’s a hint from the House Scouts at Engel & Volkers

1. Before you start looking, make a list and prioritize your wants and needs.

  • Is a large backyard mandatory?
  • Would you really like room for a home office?
  • What about schools?

List your must-haves, nice-to-haves and deal breakers. Share the list with your real estate agent and bring it every time you visit a house.

2. The price of your home is more than just that monthly mortgage payment.

There can be immediate and long term costs that come with buying a house, like...

  • the Down Payment
  • Closing Costs
  • Home Insurance
  • HOA Fees
  • Repairs
  • Commuting Costs

Be realistic about what you can truly afford. And communicate that clearly with your realtor.

3. Don't start house hunting until you know how much home you can buy.

  • Check your credit and know your score.
  • Make sure there are no mistakes.

Do you know the difference between FHA financing and conventional bank loans? A licensed agent can explain the difference and help you get a pre-approval letter from a lender. That makes a huge difference in a competitive market.

4. There’s more to location than just an address.

When you find a neighborhood you like...

  • Drive around it at night.
  • Look for restaurants or nightlife near by.
  • Look for the closest hospital and pharmacy.
  • Check the school ratings and the crime rate.

An experienced realtor is your best resource when looking for a home.

Ready to start the process?

The first step is getting the right realtor.

Engel & Volkers

Contact us today for help from the experts.