Moving into Your First Home

Moving into your first home can be stressful. There are so many moving pieces that it can be incredibly hard to fit everything together. Thankfully, you are not alone! Here at EverSafe Moving Co., we know firsthand how complicated the home buying process can be, especially when it’s your first time. We’re here to help with some of our top tips for purchasing and moving into your first home.

Homebuyer Mistakes

Many first-time homebuyers in today’s digital world make the mistake of not having their ducks in a row before they look at potential homes. It’s easier than ever before to go home shopping, especially with the multitude of apps that exist. Thus, a new homebuyer may fall in love with a home first, only to then talk to a mortgage officer who tells them they cannot approve that large of a loan.

Additionally, the use of an app may make you feel self-sufficient to the point that you may see realtors as sales representative instead of your guide. That often means new buyers wait to talk to an agent until they feel ready to close. Those homebuyers could be missing out on everything from up-and-coming gems to important details they may forget because someone is not there to guide them through the process.

In reality, the road to buying a home should look more like this roadmap. Keep reading below for more details!
A roadmap to buying and moving into your first home

1. Talk to a Mortgage Officer

It is essential to find your mortgage officer right away. They will be able to tell you what you can afford, explain the process, and give you steps to get to the budget you want.

Depending on your financial situation, you may need to improve your credit or pay down debt, which may take two to five years. If you are thinking of buying a home, find your mortgage officer now!

2. Find Your Agent

Your real estate agent is also your best friend throughout this process, therefore it is critical to find someone you trust and don’t mind talking to throughout the day. Inevitably, you will spend all day with them looking at houses, preparing paperwork, chatting on the phone, or emailing back and forth.

Find someone who connects with you in your communication preference. It won’t work if you are a texter who rarely checks emails and are paired up with a real estate agent that only uses email. That may mean you miss out on the perfect home!

Additionally, don’t feel like talking to an agent means you’re sucked into a sell. The seller, not the buyer, typically pays agents, so it is in their best interest to help you along the journey.

3. Go House Shopping!

Now comes the fun part—finding your new home! Your realtor and mortgage agent should help you lay the groundwork before you head out. Things like pre-approval, finding the ideal neighborhood, and deciding on the type of home are all good things to have in mind before you visit an open house.

We do want to warn you of a couple of things, though. Don’t be fooled by poorly completed house flips. That hip subway tile may be beautiful, but did they replace the old cast iron pipes they found? Don’t be afraid to ask your realtor if something seems suspicious—it could be something that you ask the inspector to check out just to be safe!

Your first home doesn’t have to be perfect or even your dream home. Sometimes the best investment properties are ones you remodel yourself. A good remodel will not only increase the value of your home over time but will also ensure you can pick design elements that best suit your style.

4. Buy Your Home and Move In

Once you have found the perfect home, your realtor will help you with the final steps. This includes paperwork, inspections, negotiating closing costs, and escrow accounts.  

You will need to make sure to set enough money aside for initial repairs and improvements to your home. Additionally, you shouldn’t forget costs associated with moving. Since you are upgrading to your first home, you should be sure that the same care is taken on moving your valuables. Many realtors recommend using a moving company as they can professionally pack and secure your belongings for you and make the moving day much more relaxed.

When you are ready to make the move into your new home, EverSafe can help! We are certified, professional movers who will make sure that your move is smooth and damage-free. Contact us today for a free estimate over the phone.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *