A Guide for First-Time Homebuyers
Buying a home for the first time is a very exciting step, but it can also be a confusing process. We’ve put together some information to help you plan each piece of the home-buying experience. 

To-Do List before Home Hunting 

  • Plan your budget : When figuring out how much you can feasibly spend on a house, be sure to factor in closing costs, property taxes, homeowners insurance and other charges you may face.  

     

  • Find a mortgage lender : In many cases, you will need a pre-approval letter from a mortgage lender before any real house hunting can begin. Call a few lenders to ask about their interest rates so you can find the best deal.  

     

  • Organize the paperwork : Your lender will require a lot of information from you, including bank statements, paycheck stubs, tax returns and more. All of this will need to be collected and sent to your lender in a timely manner.a man and a woman standing in front of a box  



To-Do List While Home Hunting 

  • Find a realtor : The process of buying a house is a complex one, so it’s in your best interests to work with a realtor who knows the industry well.  

     

  • Look around : Visiting properties is a must . You can’t rely solely on online photos and descriptions. Look for space, age, quality of appliances, nearby fire stations and schools, neighborhood safety and more.  

     

  • Avoid money pits : While a few fixer-upper projects are almost always necessary, you’ll want to avoid buying a place that needs extensive work done.  



To-Do List after Home Hunting 

  • Get an inspection : Once your offer has been accepted, you will need to hire a home inspector to check out the property for signs of damage. If problems are found, you can either walk or negotiate the price with the seller to fund repairs.  

     

  • Appraisal : Your mortgage lender will often require (and sometimes set up) a home appraisal. This must be done before deadlines laid out in the contract.  

     

  • Buy home insurance : Even though your lender will require you to buy home insurance, it’s a great way to protect your investment from a variety of risks and hazards.  

We’ll help you find great coverage. Call Wilber-Price Insurance Group  at (800) 797-2016  for more information on home insurance. 

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