Five things First time Home Buyers should know and Do
1. The first step in buying a home is to know your buying power. This first step is vital to any home buyer but especially a first time buyer. Know what you can afford. Especially in the Hixson, Chattanooga area this is vital information. Real Estate prices and market have been stable. With the market recovering the first time home buyer will want to buy the most house they can comfortably afford. The average stay in any home is five years. First time buyers will probably stay a shorter time. Therefore they should consider buying the most they can afford. How can you know what you can afford? Get pre approved. This is a easy step when you visit our website www.chattanoogahomes.com and click on the Realty Funding icon. It‘s all on line and simple.
2. The second thing a first time home buyer in the Chattanooga Hixson market needs to do is to make a list of wants and needs. The most important of which would be size of home you want, will you need four bedrooms? What amenities do you need and what amenities do you want? A fenced yard would be nice for the dogs and kids, but don’t pass by the right home with out a fence. Amenities can be added and bring the value of your home up along with the equity you build. Make a list of your wants, and a list of your needs. Then check out the listings on www.chattanoogahomes.com This will let you know what’s out there. Remember be realistic.
3. Contact a reputable Realtor that will look out for your best interest. When you just call on the listing agent of a home you may think you like he is already working for someone, and it’s not you. Tennessee Real Estate law provides for buyer’s representation. A buyer’s agent will work for your best interest, negotiated the best price, and help you find the home you want, and not one that a listing agent wants to sell you. A good buyer’s agent will coach you in making the right decision, point out the flaws and good points of a home, but will not sell you on a home. To find a buyers agent in the Hixson, Chattanooga area the very best place to start is at www.chattanoogahomes.com
4. Take your time. Don’t let emotions drive your decision. It will be easy to walk into a home and be awed by the décor of the home owner. Remember the furniture stays with the seller. The floor plan goes with the buyer. In the Chattanooga, Hixson areas there are many beautiful homes to choose from. But consider the re-sale possibilities. When you are young a steep driveway and yard may not matter, but buyers look at that carefully when they have children. When you have settled on a home take a second look and picture the home without your emotional love for the home.
5. Now that you have decided on a home, made the offer, be sure to get a home inspection. Don’t let Uncle Joe do the inspection! It doesn’t matter if he is a builder, engineer, lawyer, doctor or Indian chief. Leave it to a professional home inspector, one that you hire, not the home seller. You want his professional unbiased advice, not a guess. Professional home inspectors are trained, and licensed to do an inspection. Your realtor may recommend a home inspector.
