Wisdom for Real Estate Newbies

Today’s Wiki Wednesday Feature: First Time Home Buyer Words of Wisdom

If you’re hoping to find the keys to your first home wrapped up for you this holiday, you may want to take a look at the article we chose for this week’s Wiki Wednesday feature. In “First Time Home Buyer Words of Wisdom,” VisaliaRealtor hands out some helpful advice that can make your first time less intimidating. Many people (including me!) have found the process scary and confusing. But it doesn’t have to be — a little research and planning can go a long way.

Here are some of the tips and tricks featured in the article:

1. Be committed to the process. This is one of the most important purchases you’ll ever make — be sure to plan carefully and listen to the professionals.

2. Know your credit history. See problems in your history? Get them fixed.

3. Be realistic about your needs and wants. Do you really “need” that big yard and extra bathroom? Make a list of what you really do need and what you want, but could live without. And check it twice.

4. Take notes when touring homes. It’s likely that you’ll look at many, many homes in the process of finding “the one.” As you’re looking at houses, make notes on what you like and don’t like while the home is still fresh in your mind.

5. Make the right offer. Research comparable home sales in the area to help establish an offer price. Your first offer is very important. As VisialiaRealtor says, “A rule of thumb is that a low first offer usually results in the buyer either losing the home or puts the seller on the defensive.”

Want more words of wisdom? You can find the entire article here.

Ed: Wiki Wednesdays is a weekly feature that highlights helpful or interesting articles from the Real Estate Guide.