Buying a home is a big decision and probably one of most important purchases in your life. The key to buying a home is being informed and educated on the process. The more you know the easier it will be to make decisions and feel confident with those choices.

Here are some of the first steps you can take to get started:

Seek out the help of a Realtor. Realtors on the buy side of a transaction are usually paid by the seller and come at no cost to you. It’s free advice and guidance and you should use that service!

  1. Talk with a lender- Talking with a lender will get you clear on all of the financial questions you have. What can you afford, what will your monthly payment be, what is earnest money and the down payment, how does your credit score, debt, and income factor into you buying a home?
  2. Decide what you are looking for in a home. Style, neighborhood, size, price, features, etc. Make a list and have your agent help you with your search.
  3. Ask your Realtor to go over the process and explain what to expect all along the way.