It’s no secret that buying a home can be a daunting task. For first time buyers, the process can seem downright overwhelming. But with the right preparation and advice, it’s possible to make the experience as smooth and stress-free as possible. Here are some tips for first time home buyers:

Even if you think you know more about the housing market than anyone, it’s still a good idea to use a realtor. You need to know what you’re in for and plan ahead to avoid making any costly mistakes. Here are 7 best home buying tips for first time buyers who are just getting started. 

Get pre-approved for a mortgage

You’ll need to do this before you start looking for homes. This will give you a better idea of how much home you can afford and also strengthen your negotiating power when it comes time to make an offer. Shop around for a mortgage. There are a lot of different lenders out there, so you’ll want to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible. Be sure to compare rates, terms, and other factors before settling on a loan.

Pick one agent

When it comes to buying a home, using a realtor is probably the best decision you can make. They will help you find homes in your price range and give you advice on things like negotiation and making sure everything goes smoothly during closing.  However, it’s important that you pick one agent and stick with them. Trying to work with multiple agents will only confuse and frustrate you.

Know the average sales price

When it comes to buying a home, it’s important to know the average sales price in the area you’re looking in. This will give you an idea of what you can afford and will also help you when it comes time to negotiate. Keep in mind that averages can vary, so be sure to consult with a realtor to get more specific information. Make sure you know what homes are selling for and plan ahead to get the best results! 

Keep your debt low

When you’re looking for a mortgage, one of the most important things to keep in mind is your debt-to-income ratio. This will determine how much debt you can afford each month, and will play a role in whether or not you qualify for a mortgage. You’ll want to make sure you keep your debts low so you can qualify for a larger mortgage. In addition to your debt-to-income ratio, your credit score is also important when you’re looking for a mortgage. A higher credit score will give you a better chance of qualifying for a lower interest rate.

File your taxes on time

When you’re buying a home, it’s important to keep your finances in order. One way to do this is by filing your taxes on time. This will help you qualify for a mortgage and could also help you get a lower interest rate. Most lenders will require updated tax returns when it comes time to close the loan, so stay on top of this. This is even more important for you if you are are self employed, because most lenders want a 2 year history which is verified through tax returns. 

Two year work history not required for grads 

If you are a recent college graduate, you may be wondering if you need a two year history to qualify for a mortgage. The good news is that you may not need to have a two year history if are a college graduate.  Most lenders will accept a letter from your school stating that you graduated within the last two years. This can help you qualify for a mortgage if you don’t have a two year work history. If you have just changed your job and you are in the same industry, a two year history is not required. 

The long term game

When you’re buying a property, it’s important to remember that this is a long-term investment. You’re not just buying a roof over your head – you’re also making a financial decision that will affect you positively for years to come. You must think of this decision as one where you are growing your net worth over time as your property appreciates in value. And you are no longer paying your landlord’s mortgage, you are making a payment on an asset that appreciates in value over time! 

It can be tough to know where to start when you’re looking for a home. There are so many things that need to be considered and it’s easy for first time buyers to make costly mistakes if they don’t do their research ahead of time. Here, we’ve included the best buying tips for beginners who are just starting out in the process of looking for a home. These tips will help you stay ahead of the curve and help you land a deal in today’s competitive real estate market. Good luck on your home search!