If you are new to home ownership and the thought of purchasing one is daunting, you are not alone. The entire process can be complicated. Luckily, there are some ways to make it easier.
You Should Work With a Qualified Real Estate Agent
If you are a first-time home buyer, it is unlikely you have experienced the nuanced variations in the home-buying process. Multiple steps can be utterly confusing the first time around. Finding a real estate agent you feel comfortable with will make the undertaking easier as they will use their experience to guide you along the way.
Look to Reed Pirain for expert guidance on navigating the real estate market. A realtor with longevity can better assess the ups and downs. Other things a knowledgeable realtor will know include what cities will be more attractive to first-time home buyers. They will help you navigate the available amenities near your prospective home and discuss tax rates. Working with a seasoned realtor will help you move through the buying process with comfort.
Watch this video to learn why you should work with a real estate agent.
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You Should Never Skip or Skimp On the Home Inspection
Generally speaking, the buyer pays for the home inspection. While you may be inclined to save money and hire a less expensive home inspector, that will probably not be in your best interest.
Instead, research home inspectors. Look at online reviews to determine customer satisfaction. Often, if they have missed important items on the inspection, this will come up in reviews and serve as a red flag for you to move on to the next inspector.
And know this, too – Brand new, recently built homes need an inspection. Builders and tradespersons make errors, and building products can fail at times, even when they are new. If you have an inspection conducted, that information gives you something to reference so the builder can rectify any mistakes or make repairs as needed.
Whether you are purchasing a new build or a previously occupied dwelling, there will always be repairs, such as old items that are out of code, worn utility infrastructure, previous damage, etc. When a comprehensive inspector can use their skills in your service, it will give you more power in negotiations to get what you need or inform you that another home will be a better fit.
You Should Use Your VA Benefits
If you or your partner have served in the U.S. military, you are entitled to a variety of benefits. More specifically, you have earned the right, through your service, to utilize the VA Home Loan program.
The VA Home Loan program helps service members and veterans purchase a home many times throughout their lifetime. The benefits to you are broad and invaluable, including no Private Mortgage Insurance or PMI, no down payment required from the VA, and low-interest rates, in addition to other financial advantages.
If you choose to use your VA benefits to purchase a home, carefully read through all documentation from both the VA and your loan originator as they may be contradictory at times, and you want to ensure you understand the parameters upfront before you finalize any loans.
Now that you know more about home buying, contact your realtor today and get ready to move! Picture yourself someplace new.
