The First-Time Home Buyers To-Do List!

This is one of the biggest financial steps that you will ever make, so it’s important to take this decision seriously. With the help of Florida Realtor Magazine, we are here to provide you with a to-do list for first-time buyers.

Following these steps will take a lot of pressure away so that you can think more clearly through this process.

Your first step is to save, save, save. Save up for the down payment, closing cost, and escrow for insurance and taxes.

Secondly, making sure you have a good credit score is very important. Make sure to stay on top of your bills, don’t make any major purchases, don’t cancel any credit cards, and remember, the higher your credit score = the lower your interest rate is.
Thirdly, calculate what you can afford.

The fourth step is to get a mortgage preapproval. When shopping around, you want to make sure to choose a primary lender and a backup lender. For mortgage advice, check out this PDF from HUD.

Your next step is a little more exciting! Deciding what you want in a home. To keep you on track, follow this checklist.

Now that you know what you want in-home, it’s time to choose your realtor! This is a very important step. Just remember, you could be spending a lot of time with this agent.

Now that you’ve chosen your realtor, your next step will be to visit homes. Make sure to take photos and make notes of each home. This home shopping checklist will come in handy for you.

As we get closer to the end goal, you’ve seen many listings that you like. It’s time to narrow down your choices. Make sure to visit the neighborhood during the day and at night to gauge traffic, noise, etc. Test the commute and consider the resale value.

You’ve found the house of your dreams! Stay calm because now It’s time to make an offer, followed by the home inspection. Anything can happen at this point. Assuming your inspection went well, we are off to the next step!

Your final walk-through includes testing light switches and sockets. Make sure the windows and doors all open, close and lock. You will also want to make sure the faucets, drains, and toilets are properly working.

Assuming we had a successful walk-through and all issues have been addressed, we’ve made it to the end goal: CLOSING! After the close, it’s the moment you’ve been waiting for, MOVE IN TIME! Congratulations!

Hopefully, these steps will be able to guide you through this overwhelmingly exciting adventure. Good luck!