| First time home buyers face many | | | | in between making your initial offer and |
| challenges in understanding the process | | | | the final acceptance of the offer from |
| of purchasing a home, obtaining a | | | | the seller. Ask about the settlement |
| mortgage, and knowing which type of loan | | | | costs, the down payment amount that you |
| will best suit their needs. Advice from | | | | may need, and the length of time |
| well meaning loved ones can be helpful, | | | | involved between the acceptance of your |
| but buying a home is a major financial | | | | offer and the final closing date. |
| commitment and you would be wise to | | | | Make sure you understand your credit |
| educate yourself on the home buying | | | | situation and what it means to you as |
| process before taking the first step. | | | | far as applying for a mortgage. Down |
| When you make the decision to purchase a | | | | payment requirements and the interest |
| home, talk with a real estate agent who | | | | rate you will receive are directly |
| can give you expert advice and valuable | | | | related to your credit score. You should |
| information. The purpose of this initial | | | | be aware of exactly what is on your |
| meeting is not to sign a representation | | | | credit report before beginning the home |
| agreement with the real estate agent, | | | | buying process. |
| but instead to make yourself aware of | | | | These tips will give you a good start in |
| local real estate customs in your | | | | making wise decisions when you purchase |
| particular area. If the agent has no | | | | your first home. Keep in mind that |
| time to discuss the home buying process | | | | buying a home can be stressful at times |
| with you, then keep looking until you | | | | and that a calm attitude and the ability |
| find one who will. A good real estate | | | | to cope with any issues that may arise |
| agent will offer you information on the | | | | calmly will make the purchase of your |
| local real estate market and give you an | | | | first home a more pleasant experience. |
| idea of the types of mortgage products | | | | Buying your first home is one of the |
| that are available to you. A mortgage | | | | most exciting events in your life. Give |
| broker or lender can also give you | | | | yourself the information you need and |
| valuable information when you decide to | | | | take the advice of experts when you |
| buy a home. | | | | begin the home buying process. The |
| The questions you should ask the real | | | | experience will be less stressful and |
| estate agent or mortgage broker include | | | | you will benefit from the knowledge you |
| how to make an offer on a home you wish | | | | have gained. |
| to purchase and the specifics involved | | | | |