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<\/p>\nAt some point when you were younger, you imagined what your first home would be like. Some may have imagined living in a castle, or maybe the home their parents lived in as a child. Before you can make your dream home a reality, there are some things everyone needs to consider.<\/p>\n
The process of buying a home can be difficult, dragged out, and not the slightest bit of fun if you aren\u2019t prepared or ready to make some serious decisions. So before you start watching HGTV to get inspiration on how to decorate and furnish your new home, grab a notepad and pen to write out a plan, budget, and needs\/want list.<\/p>\n
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#1 – Are you ready to be a homeowner?<\/strong><\/p>\n Are you ready to be a grown up and buy your first home? Ready to move out of an apartment with your roommates or out of your family\u2019s place to be in a place all your own? Are you ready to a pay a mortgage for 10 years, or possibly longer? Not to mention paying for lawn care, house maintenance, and other house bills? If some of your answers were a no, it\u2019s okay! What you can do to change the answers is to start saving. Saving until you are confident that the money you have will and can afford the type of home you want. You\u2019ll want to make sure you have enough saved up to cover a down payment, broker fees, closing costs, and obviously extra money to cover costs of getting new appliances or house fixtures if needed.<\/p>\n When talking to a lender, make sure you ask about all your options for financing your new home. How much can you afford, and what options are best for you? Work with someone who will be able to hear what you want and takes into consideration your situation. Work with someone who can work with you.<\/p>\n #2 – Look for a realtor that works with you<\/strong><\/p>\n While you may have started searching for homes in newspapers and online at sites like Realtor, Trulia, or Zillow, or began to think about what you want in a home. Take time to research realtors that can make the process easier and friendlier for you! Make sure the realtor that is helping find your home, is the one that is working with you so they can show you all your options. They can guide you through the process keeping in mind all that you\u2019re looking for, including what you can afford! So put a little time and energy into finding a real estate company that will treat you well and accomplish all that you are looking for!<\/p>\n #3 – What type of home and neighborhood do you want?<\/strong><\/p>\n Figure out what type of home and what type of area you can see yourself living long-term. Do you plan on starting a family in the future, or maybe having pets? Maybe you\u2019re looking for a neighborhood with an environment that is welcoming and amicable. Maybe the area has regular get-togethers? Do you see yourself on a quiet street with few noise complaints? A community that provides the peace you\u2019re looking for?<\/p>\n Another thing to consider, is the commute to your job going to be easier or a little longer due to more traffic? If you have a family or are planning on expanding it, consider the area\u2019s school district. What\u2019s the school’s reputation? What\u2019s the commute time like?<\/p>\n For your home, do you want a spacious lawn and a finished deck with room for entertainment? Or maybe something low maintenance with a couple bushes or trees? Can see yourself putting effort into to your lawn care, or wanting something with no extra landscaping but a driveway and a bush or two?<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.reddoorwny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/2.jpg\")
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<\/a> parties and get-togethers, or having a spacious walk-in closet for both you and your partner\u2019s belongings to fit. Compile a list of the things you need now and may need in the future.<\/p>\n