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FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS GUIDE
Buying your first home is a huge milestone. It will likely be your biggest financial investment, which can make it slightly overwhelming. You want to make sure you make the right choice and have someone on your side who can walk you through the steps it takes to buy your first home.
If you’re thinking about purchasing a home in the Des Moines area, the Zealty Now team can help. We have years of experience helping people just like you purchase their first homes. We can guide you through the process and ensure your home buying experience is as stress-free as possible.
Before you jump into the home buying process, there are a few things to take into consideration. These tips will help you understand what to expect and better prepare you for the journey ahead.
Determine What You Want in a Home
Do you have a vision of your ideal home? Before starting your home search, it helps to really hone in on what you want and need. Think about what type of community you want to live in, how many bedrooms you need, and what features you would like to have.
Consider making a list of all the things you absolutely need in a home, and things you want, but could do without. Writing everything down can give you a clearer picture of the right home for you. This will help save you time by narrowing your focus to only the properties that fit your vision.
Work With a Local Des Moines Real Estate Agent
Navigating the Des Moines real estate market can be tricky, especially if you’ve never bought a home before. A local buyer’s agent can help guide you through the process and give you invaluable advice.
An experienced Des Moines real estate agent can give you access to all the latest listings, provide detailed facts about the properties you’re interested in and negotiate on your behalf. They can also handle all the paperwork related to the sale and advise you on legalities and financing options.
Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
One of the first steps you should take before you even begin your home search is getting pre-approved for a mortgage. This will help you better understand how much you can afford. In addition, it shows sellers that you’re serious about buying and in a financial position to do so.
There are numerous assistance programs for first-time home buyers. For example, the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) has two: The FirstHome loan program for first-time buyers and Homes for Iowans. Some programs offer down payment assistance and special mortgages with low rates.
Be Aware of All The Costs
Many first-time home buyers are surprised to learn that there is more to buying a home than just the purchase price. Additional costs could include legal fees, home inspection fees, homeowner’s insurance and property taxes.
An experienced real estate agent can outline all the fees involved with purchasing a home and help you plan your budget accordingly. They can provide you with the best options for your budget and advise you on any future costs such as utilities or HOA fees.
Get a Home Inspection
A home inspection is a crucial part of the home buying process. You need to know what shape the house is in and whether it has any issues that could cost you down the road or even worse, affect your health or safety.
A home inspector will examine the house’s structure and its systems. They will check for potential problems such as faulty wiring, leaks, pests and harmful materials like asbestos and mold. Your real estate agent can do the walk-through with you and the inspector so you can see any potential problems for yourself.