Ashley,
You've made a wise decision to get educated first. Knowledge is POWER! You want to be sure to hire a Buyer's Agent to represent you - it is important for you to understand everything that you sign and to make sure that your best interest is at hand. I know the Dundalk area well and I'd be happy to assist you with your home purchase. It is a large investment and should be handled with care.

There are many home buyer grants available. I would be happy to discuss them with you in detail. You can also log on to my website for more information about the grant programs (I am a preferred Realtor for the Harbel Housing Partnership) http://www.LivingMD.com or you can certainly call me (410) 409-2393. I am happy to sit down with you and thoroughly explain the home buying process, grants, and answer any questions.

Jennifer Bayne 410-409-2393 Jbayne@cbmove.com Http://www.LivingMD.com

Wed Jul 9 2008, 08:16

I agree with Dennis, find a Realtor .You will be working closely with this Realtor, so you want to make sure it is someone who you feel comfortable with and you can reach when you have a question. There are some great programs out there to for buyers and lots of houses to choose from so your Realtor should be able to put you on the right track. Remember that no credit/limited credit does not mean bad credit. If you have any questions or would like to talk more please feel free to contact me. Good luck with your goal.
Kim 410-320-9683

Mon Jul 7 2008, 05:52

You have established a great goal home ownership is a tax write off. if you work positively in concert with your real estate agent AND a mortgage broker I am assured you will have solutions to all of your questions resolved. Good luck http://www.lynn911.com

Sun Jul 6 2008, 19:13

BEFORE YOU CONTACT A REALTOR, YOU MUST SPEAK WITH A LENDER TO FIND OUT WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD. The good news is that there are still MANY GREAT PROGRAMS out there that you can use to get into a home with NOTHING out of your own pocket. My loan officer (Bob Lowery 443-653-1720) have a First Time Home Buyer program that will also save you a lot in terms of closing fees. We both offer completely FREE CONSULTATIONS that we could speak with you about your specific situation (either over the phone or in person, whichever you prefer). When you get a chance (if you want an HONEST opinion about your indivualized situation) give him a call and he will personally run your credit and let you know what you can comfortably afford.

Also, just so you know, Bob and I hold many FIRST TIME HOME BUYER WORKSHOPS throughout the year and our next one is scheduled for AUGUST 2, 2008 in my Office in Perry Hall at 11:00AM. If you want to come to the workshop, all you have to do is give one of us a call to register your space in advance as seating is somewhat limited and the class usually fills to the capacity when we hold them.

HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU SOON!!!

FOR MORE FREE INFORMATION INCLUDING A FREE MLS SEARCH, VISIT MY SITE AThttp:// WWW.ISELLMDHOMES.COM

Sun Jul 6 2008, 17:21

Hi Ashley,

First of all, congratulations! You are a very smart young woman for making such a wise financial decision. At 21, you really couldn't be expected to have too much of a credit history. There are programs available to you which can assist with things like downpayment assistance, etc. Housing is affordable in the area you are interested in. I recently sold a really nice rowhome in Dundalk, so I am familiar with the prices and a lot of the inventory. If you would like to give me a call, I would be happy to walk you through the process from start to finish. I can connect you with a mortgage advisor who will begin the financial details with you so that you will know what price range you are most comfortable in. Please feel free to give me a call at 410-615-0990 or send an email to me at ldevnew@cbmove.com.

Again, congratulations on taking the first step to a very wise investment! Best of luck to you and I hope to be able to help!
Lisa Devnew

Sun Jul 6 2008, 14:37

Ashley, the first thing I would do is contact a local, experienced Realtor in your area. He/She can then go over a "game plan" to buying your first house! Probably the first thing your Realtor will have you do is speak with and get pre-approved with a Lender. There are a lot of financing programs out there for first-time home buyers with little-to-no cash. There are also gift programs such as the Nehemiah and AmeriDream program for those who need downpayment assistance. Make sure you ask about them.

Starting the process to buying your first home can be a daunting one. You have already taken the first step by asking the "how to" question here on Trulia. Take the next step and contact a Realtor. Best of luck to you!

Dennis Skelly
Ricker Realty
202.438.2091 (c)
dennis.skelly@verizon.net

Sun Jul 6 2008, 14:22