Are you a 1st time home buyer looking to find your home in the Greater St. Louis area? If yes, then congratulations on taking this huge step! Buying a house is one of the biggest decisions of a person’s life. So, it is only natural to want everything to be perfect.
At Blaine Team, we understand that finding a home can be exciting, confusing, and overwhelming for a 1st time home buyer. To make the process a bit simpler, we have compiled a list of effective tips to help you navigate the home-buying process easily. To learn more or get started working with our team to buy your St. Louis area home, contact our real estate team today.
Essential Home Buying Tips for a 1st Time Home Buyer
- Request a credit check: Before you begin your house search, make sure to request your credit report. Your credit score plays a vital role when it comes to applying for a mortgage. A higher score means better loan terms and interest rates. Further, ensure to check your credit report for any mistakes or discrepancies and get them corrected. Moreover, see if any items in your credit report can be corrected to improve your credit score.
- Get pre-qualified for a mortgage: Once you have your credit score report, consider getting pre-qualified for a mortgage. Doing this will give you a clear idea about your budget so that you can search homes that fit your wallet.
- List your needs and wants: As a 1st time home buyer, it is essential for you to know what you need and want from your house. Make a list of features you need to have in your house, and another list of the nice-to-have features. In this way, you can narrow down your search and look for homes that meet your requirements.
- Prioritize the home inspection: A home inspection is one of the most important parts of the home-buying process. It helps you find any potential issues and damages that may not be easily visible. Once you narrow down your property choices, ensure to hire a qualified inspector and attend the home inspection process yourself. Ask relevant questions and clear all your doubts before going through with the house purchase.
- Budget for additional expenses: One of the most common mistakes that a 1st time home buyer usually makes is that they forget to budget for additional expenses. Maintaining and taking care of a house is just as expensive as buying one. So, make sure to set aside some money every month for expenses like electricity, water, sewer, recycling collection, insurance, taxes, etc.
Get in Touch with Blaine Team to Find the Best Home in the Greater St. Louis Area
Finding the right house for yourself and your family can be difficult for a 1st time home buyer. But partnering with an experienced real estate agent can make the process quicker and more hassle-free.
This is where Blaine Team comes in. We are local and fully licensed real estate agents that have been helping buyers and sellers find their dream residential properties since 2017. Our team of experienced agents does all the leg work to help you find the best residential properties in the area of your choice. We serve both buyers and sellers throughout the St. Louis area including Oakville, Kirkwood, Creve Coeur, Ladue, St. Charles, St. Peters, and O’Fallon, MO. Contact our real estate firm today to get started searching for your new home and learn more!
