A Collection of Guidance for First Time Home Buyers
Insights, tips, and wisdom about buying a home from the country's best Real Estate Agents.
We spoke to exceptional real estate agents from every major metropolitan region in the US and asked them to share their insights, tips, wisdom, and guidance about buying a home. In the process, we learned how they can help bring clarity to the complexity of buying a home, instantly fell in love with their positive energy, and were amazed by the knowledge they shared. We put this guide together to share everything we learned with you.
Market Trends To Be Aware of
Kim Rock
Philadelphia, PA
Dija Phaire
Miami, FL
Seasons to buy – The winter and fall brings in the most amount of buyers from northern states looking to leave the cold behind. However, most of the homes come on the market in the spring. The summer is the slowest season and usually… Read More
Veronica Long
Ann Arbor, MI
The market has become a lot more buyer friendly over the past few months. There is more of an ability to negotiate an offer and to have time to think before making a decision. Both the number of buyers and sellers have decreased, so it… Read More
How to define your requirements
Ashley Ridenour
Detroit, MI
Have an open mind. I say this because it’s nearly impossible to find your PERFECT home; unless you have unlimited money and you’re building your home. So, you don’t let cosmetic things in a home keep you from making a move. Paint, carpet and updates can all be changed overtime. It’s always… Read More
Derek Leman
Atlanta, GA
Be smart about the process for Buying a home. Know what you need to have in savings. Get your financial documents together such as pay stubs, 1099’s, income tax statements. Then, ask your Realtor for some referrals to mortgage lenders. Realtors tend to know mortgage companies that work well… Read More
Rebecca Preece
East Bay, CA
Know your end goal. It is important to understand if you are looking for a home you will live in for a couple of years or for a longer time. If you think it’s a home that you will spend 2-5 years in, then buy a place where the value will stay strong so when you go to sell there will be a large pool of buyers and appreciation… Read More
What to look for in an Agent
Mary Burr Newsome
Charlotte, NC
“All agents are not created equal. Interview agents before selecting one.” … Read More
Kim Rock
Philadelphia, PA
Align yourself with the right “home buying team” (expert realtor, amazing lender, honest home inspector!) We will be your trusted resources to make this process as… Read More
Sonya Garmon
North Houston, TX
Understand your must have requirements. Do you have a style of house you like? Do you want to be near a park? Do you want a big backyard? Getting clarity on… Read More
What Zillow doesn’t tell you
Sonya Garmon
North Houston, TX
Take notes and capture on tour Moments. You should take lots of videos and capture your on-tour moments, reactions, and emotions so you don’t forget them later. This will make it easier to compare properties you visit and make… Read More
Alison Alston
Charlotte, NC
Ask your realtor for recommendations for people to help with the maintenance on your home if you aren’t comfortable taking care of everything yourself. Make sure you discuss whether… Read More
Janet Temidayo
Manhattan, NY
HDFC Units – HDFC Units offer a low cost option for buyers who have income restrictions but want to buy a home. This is a great starting point for a first time home buyer. While HDFC Units are not… Read More