Hi Richard:

A good place to start to find out inventory and listings is to sign up to listing book:

http://www.lauramarie.listingbook.com/?&page=home

Your next step is to contact a mortgage broker or bank and get preapproved. I can set you up with a few. after you are preapproved, the fun starts!

If you are interested give me a call or send me an e-mail.

Sincerely your real estate professional,

Laura-Marie

Hi Richard, I am happy to answer all your questions and hep you begin your buying process. i have sent you an email with more details! Thanks

The best thing to do is to retain a good buyer agent. Your agent will help you every step of the way, including pre-approval with a loan officer. A buyer agent is like having a good friend in the business!

Hi Richard, I am sure all of these people know of someone or they themselves could help you in your quest to purchase your first home. My free advice, is first and foremost free, your total cost is just your time to read my entire paragraph. Also this is my opinion. I just purchase my first home just over a year ago.
These are my recommendations before you contact any broker, & or real-estate agent.

1. Go to the library or the bookstore & read books regarding first time home purchase (the best are "First Time Home buyers" Idiots guide Or Home Buying for Dummies". Read multiple books regarding how to calculate your ability on what you can afford. Most Brokers love to tell you that you can purchase more than you really can. Do not fall into the trap of purchasing a home you cannot afford. It happens more times than one would think. For example do not purchase anything that eats up more than 30% of your monthly net income not to be confused with gross income. This should include real-estate taxes, principal, interest & (association fees, if you are living in a condo or planned community) Fixed interest rate. Fixed interest rate fixed interest rate over the entire life of the loan. Do not mess with variable rate or arm loans. And brokers still push these types of loans.
2. Read more, get independent information non-bias information, brokers & agents can give you great information however they benefit mostly & are dependant on you because they make money from getting your business. You are responsible for yourself so take charge and get the information you need. Do not allow anyone to push you in a direction or make a decision that you do not agree with 100%.
3. Last but not least make sure you take care of what your needs are, not to be confused with what you want.
Example: I need to live close to the train station, I need to live in a safe area, I need two bedrooms one for me and one for my child. I need a house that does not need a new roof, plumbing or electrical.

Now the wants, I want a blue house, with a flat panel tv setup. I want a pool and a fenced in yard. I want to live on the golf course with a view of the 18th green.

Take care of the needs first, then if there is money left over or affordability then go down the list of wants.
if you have anymore questions just ask

Richard,
Buying a home, especially your first home, can be very overwhelming. Make sure you work with people you can trust and like. Personally I do not serve the Stamford area, but know a lot of great people who do if you are not sure who to use. Please feel free to visit my website for a really great lesson in Home buying. Just click the home buyer's guide under Quick Links. http://www.johnathandias.com Good Luck

Hi Richard, I specialize in home sales in Stamford, and have been selling for over a decade. I would be delighted to refer you to a mortgage broker, as well as other professionals you will need in your search, ie. inspector, attorney, appraiser, etc. You can either contact me directly or visit my website, catherinerichardson.com, which has all these Stamford professionals listed. When you go to my website, click on "About Stamford" then "Service Providers." I also have state-of-the-art home search tools that will help you in your search. Please let me know how else I can help!

Richard, I work in Fairfield County, give me a call or send me your phone number. I have the people for you to call!