Financial responsibility and managing your finances is key to your success as a future homeowner. Good credit history, building up your savings for a down payment/closing costs, and anticipating utility costs (water/sewer, gas, electricity, etc.) are all important things to consider. Every day homes are purchased by first-time and former homeowners and you are on your way to doing the same.

You found one already! That’s why you are here! You want to select a REALTOR® that has a proven track record working with both homebuyers and sellers. Great ways to learn more about your REALTOR® is by visiting their social media pages, Zillow profile, and website. Select a REALTOR® that is a great communicator, responsive, and makes you feel like YOU are always #1.

Too often homebuyers hit the market and start touring homes before they talk to a local bank or mortgage company/lender. We aren’t buying a car here; we are financing one of the largest purchases you may ever make in your life, and unless you plan on paying cash, it’s very important to make sure that your search includes homes in the price range that you can afford. Your bank or mortgage company and loan specialist will help you select the mortgage that fits you and your financial plan best.

Now the fun part begins! Write down all of your “must haves” and “really wants”. The area, neighborhood, schools, your job, and proximity to friends and family can help you quickly narrow down your search. Hampton Roads has many wonderful cities, but you probably don’t want to search all of them. After that, let’s find out what amenities you want your home to have; garage, yard, privacy fencing, one-story, two-story, pool, etc. The list can be endless, but don’t narrow this down too much. Be sure to stay open and flexible as your new home may take some personal touches by you to make it exactly what you want.

This is where your REALTOR® and you calculate the most optimal offer for you to achieve homeownership of the house you’ve said “YES” to. This process will include reviewing past sales in the area, comparing those sold homes to your selected home, and calculating an offer that feels most appropriate to you and your financial desires. There are many documents that come into play here & your REALTOR® will make sure that each one that is necessary to your success is provided & reviewed thoroughly. Remember, time may be of the essence; if you like the home there is a good chance others will too. No need to rush, but putting your best foot forward will ensure that you did all that you could to show the seller that you are a serious homebuyer.

YOU did it! Congrats in advance on having your offer accepted and now it’s time for homeownership. After your offer is accepted, your REALTOR® will help guide you through the home inspection process, other necessary inspections (termite, moisture, etc.), selecting a settlement/closing company, researching appropriate insurance policies (homeowners, flood, fire, etc.), researching home warranties, and making sure that all parties stay in close communication so that your hard work and patience produces a successful transaction.