The decision to purchase your first home is a life changer and knowing what to expect and how to plan your strategy goes a long way towards making the experience less stressful. By following a few simple guidelines before you begin your house hunt, you may save yourself time, money and frustration between now and the day you close on your dream home. Here are some of the most important factors you should consider before beginning your search.

5 Things to Think About When Buying Your First Home

1. Personal Financial Picture
   Knowing your home buying budget before you start looking at homes is a smart move for new home buyers. Have a look at your current expenses, income, and assets, then get ready to talk to your bank. Obtaining a pre-approval for a mortgage will firm up your purchasing budget and give you peace of mind as you search for a home. Be sure to factor in hidden homeownership costs when finalizing your budget including homeowner's insurance, property taxes, HOA fees, maintenance, and utilities.
2. Timing
   Having a clear picture of your future goals goes hand in hand with deciding to purchase a new home, especially when you're a first-time buyer. Do you plan on living in the house for several years? Are you planning on starting or expanding your family? Another timing-related factor is the current market trend. If you're planning on buying a home during a seller's market, you may be facing fewer choices and higher home prices. Waiting until the market trend changes to the buyer's advantage could be a wise choice.
3. General Location
   Whether you are staying in your current town or city or moving to a new location, it's wise to have an idea of the neighborhood you'd prefer to call home. If you are uncertain, your agent can help you narrow down the search to a few communities depending on your particular lifestyle wants and needs.
4. Find the Right Agent for You
   Your real estate agent will be your biggest ally as you search for a home, so it's essential to select an agent that you're comfortable with and one who knows the area and market well. Don't hesitate to interview a few agents before deciding. All agents have different personalities and areas of expertise, so shopping around for your new best friend is perfectly acceptable.
5. Must-Haves, Wants, and Flexibility
   You've decided to buy a home, understand how much you can spend, and know where you want to live. Now's the time to write down your must-have features as well as those features you'd like to have although they aren't deal breakers. While very few home searches are perfectly smooth, knowing what you are and aren't willing to compromise on before you begin makes your agent's job easier, and ultimately allows you to select your home more quickly.

I'd love to show you a selection of beautiful Excelsior homes for sale based on your tastes, lifestyle and real estate goals. For more information on the area or to discuss your real estate needs, contact me today to schedule an appointment.