Making the decision to buy your first home is a significant event, and the entire process can be overwhelming. However, there are several steps you need to take as a first time homebuyer to ensure that your home purchase really is the right fit for you, and that you have looked at enough properties in your neighborhood so that you are well-informed about your options.
Your first visit to any of the homes for sale involves more than just taking a tour with the real estate agent. It is best to be prepared for the home inspection with a checklist and know how to be able to make a proper assessment of the homes for sale. Eric Tyson and Kevin Brown, authors of the book "Home Buying for Dummies" point out the importance of becoming an "educated …show more content…
Take pictures of the house with your own camera. Even if you've seen the property online or taken a virtual tour, you should take a few of your own pictures so that you can hone in on areas that may not have been highlighted in the marketing materials. Bring a digital camera with you to get close-up shots of all the rooms, the back yard, the basement and other areas so you can review them later.
2. Study a map of the property and surrounding landmarks. What are the assess points to the property? How near is it to your place of work? To local schools? To the facilities that you need like grocery stores? It is possible to get a bird's eye view the area using an online interactive map to easily identify where the major roads and landmarks in the community are. Knowing these things will help you make a better decision on what area would be a suitable location for you to live in.
3. Take a good look at the neighboring properties. How close is the home to your neighbors? Do you have a fence between your and your neighbor's back yard? Take the time to observe the other properties in the neighborhood, look at the types of vehicles in the driveway, and determine how well-maintained the lawns and landscaping are. This will give you a general idea of the lifestyle and overall community lifestyle of area
Your first visit to any of the homes for sale involves more than just taking a tour with the real estate agent. It is best to be prepared for the home inspection with a checklist and know how to be able to make a proper assessment of the homes for sale. Eric Tyson and Kevin Brown, authors of the book "Home Buying for Dummies" point out the importance of becoming an "educated …show more content…
Take pictures of the house with your own camera. Even if you've seen the property online or taken a virtual tour, you should take a few of your own pictures so that you can hone in on areas that may not have been highlighted in the marketing materials. Bring a digital camera with you to get close-up shots of all the rooms, the back yard, the basement and other areas so you can review them later.
2. Study a map of the property and surrounding landmarks. What are the assess points to the property? How near is it to your place of work? To local schools? To the facilities that you need like grocery stores? It is possible to get a bird's eye view the area using an online interactive map to easily identify where the major roads and landmarks in the community are. Knowing these things will help you make a better decision on what area would be a suitable location for you to live in.
3. Take a good look at the neighboring properties. How close is the home to your neighbors? Do you have a fence between your and your neighbor's back yard? Take the time to observe the other properties in the neighborhood, look at the types of vehicles in the driveway, and determine how well-maintained the lawns and landscaping are. This will give you a general idea of the lifestyle and overall community lifestyle of area