The first step should be finding a lender and getting pre-approved. Then you can sit down with your budget and see what you can really afford and still be able to live the lifestyle you want to live. Just because the lender pre-approves you for a certain amount does not mean that you should buy a home for that amount. After you work with your lender and your budget, find a good realtor that you feel comfortable with and trust.

Fri May 9 2008, 05:12

One of the most important steps in buying a home, and in my opinion the FIRST step, is choosing the right professional REALTOR to represent you. While dual agency is commonly practiced and has it's place in the industry, the one thing that I teach in my seminars to first time homebuyers is the fact that when they call that name on a real estate sign outside of a property, they are technically calling the representative who is working for the seller. During negotiations, they are trying to get the seller the MOST for their home...therefore logic has it that the buyer, being represented by the same agent, is not necessarly getting the best deal for the buyer. Sometimes it could happen, but the majority of the time one side or the other will always question if in fact they were properly represented during the negotiation process.

Fri May 9 2008, 05:00

I agree w/ the comment that choosing the right Realtor will make all the difference in the world.

Fri May 9 2008, 04:44

The Most important step to buying a home is to make sure you can afford what you are buying ..Just because you are approved for an amount doesnt mean that is what is affordable ...make sure you do your research such is ..what are the taxes and how much will that cost you per month .,..is this in a flood zone and what is the cost of that...insurance in your area and the cost..add all that into the monthly payments ..is it on town sewer and what is the cost....To many people are getting in trouble due to the fact that they bought something they just could not afford....and if the heating system down the road goes ..is there anything in your savings to cover the cost?? Are you living for a mortgage payment ? Or are you giving yourself enough room to beable to save each month....There are a million real estate agents out there and finding a good one is important but being able to afford what you buy is much more important..Make sure that you are not over paying for a property ..have your real estate agent do a CMA for you of everything that has sold in the area ...I wish you the best in finding your new home : )

Fri May 9 2008, 02:35

More than anything you need to start with the approval process to see what you qualify for financially. The lender can also provide you with a rough estimate of how much your montly payments would be at the amount you are approved for. This info will help you determine exactly what price range you need to stay within. Now that you have established your price range then you can seek a Realtor that has your interests at heart and helps you understand the process of purchasing a home from the beginning to the end. I wish you luck and hope you find all of our answers reassuring and helpful in your quest for a new home.

Fri May 9 2008, 00:49

Find a Realtor whose main interest in helping you. He or she can suggest lending institutions, show you what you can get for your money, give you knowledge about the area and guide you through all the steps involved in homebuying.

Wed May 7 2008, 09:36

Readiness is the first step before buying a new home, so begin with a personal survey of your situation. Why are you buying, and why now? What are your financial goals? Will you still have savings after paying a down payment and closing costs? How will you manage if life throws a curve ball? How long do you plan to stay at the new location? Sorting through these questions at the beginning can arm you with important decision making guidlines. It is also immeasurable information for your Realtor. Starting out right, is the most important step when buying a new home!

Wed May 7 2008, 08:34

With any home purchase, new or pre-existing, being pre-approved by a lender so you know your budget is the first step. Then I recommend interviewing a couple of realtors, and certainly finding the realtor that you have good rapport with and can trust. The realtor should interview you on what is important to you or your "wish list" for your new home such as neighborhoods, amenities, home features, etc.

Wed May 7 2008, 08:32

Get Pre-Approved by a lender, then you will know how much you can afford, and what your monthly payments will be on the amount.
Secondly, get with a real estate agent that will represent you as a buyer. They will start finding you properties based on your needs.

Wed May 7 2008, 08:22

Find a Realtor that knows the area that you are thinking about purchasing in. Make a must have and a "wish" list and make sure you go over the list with your agent. Best of luck!

Wed May 7 2008, 07:52

Find a good Realtor! Ask your friends and interview different agents. Make sure they are experienced and will be your Buyer Representative in the transaction. Make sure they know what you want and make sure they are concerned about RESALE for whatever you buy even if you think you are going to be there a long long time. Things happen all the time. Ask that agent for a good reputable loan officer and get pre-approved before you start looking at houses. Make sure that agent has the time to spend with you to find the right house and ask for references. Ask how many sales they have had and how long they have been in the business. Then when you think you have a really good agent LISTEN to them. Don't buy a 2 bedroom if you live in a 3-4 bedroom area. Resale will be tough and appreciation probably minimal. Some areas require certain things for resale and appreciation. Make sure you have what people will be wanting in the next 3-5 years or so. Three car garages, finished basements, 2 full baths. Always ask for comparable market analysis on the house and the history in MLS and courthouse records on the house. This can show you if they are just buying to flip the house or have been ther a long time and how long it has been on the market even under different MLS numbers. It will also show how much of a mortgage the people may have.

Wed May 7 2008, 07:45

The most first most important step is to find a well educated loan officer or mortgage broker; especially with what is going on today. You want someone familiar with the products they sell and provide to ensure a smooth transaction. The second and just as important for the same reasons is to find a local Realtor familiar with the markets you wish to purchase.

Wed May 7 2008, 07:38

In todays market the most important things you do is to get pre approved with a respected mortgage person and work with with a respected REALTOR that is knowledgeble about the area. A REALTOR with assist you through the entire buying process. This will be your most expensive investment, let's make it the right one.

Wed May 7 2008, 07:33

Two important steps: 1. find a Realtor you can trust. (S)he can streamline the home buying process and make it both productive and enjoyable. 2. Find a mortgage broker you can trust and get pre-approved for your loan. This will allow you to narrow your search to those homes you can afford, and put you in a much better bargaining position once you locate that great home on which you want to make an offer.

Wed May 7 2008, 07:26

I believe the most important step when purchasing a home is the prequalification process...and hopefully with someone that is trusted, well respected, and knows the process.

Wed May 7 2008, 07:22

Ask yourself your reasons for buying. What do you want out of this endever? Figure out your top neighborhoods or area. Based off your buying criteria. Enlist the help of a trusted Realtor and Lender. Challenge your team to bring forth the best option available.

Wed May 7 2008, 06:36

The most important step is to obtain education; education about themselves, wants, needs and personal budget; education on the cost of owning and maintaining a home; education about the process, and the cost of purchasing.

Tue May 6 2008, 21:36

I agree with Ruth!

Check out my website for more details.



Christina Asad Edwards, REALTOR
2006 & 2007 Sales Masters Top Agent
Christina.AsadEdwards@RealLiving.com
www.teamedwards.info
mobile or text 937-205-4741
office 937-573-0082
fax 937-433-3561
Real Living Realty - #1 in OHIO!
Realty, Mortgage, Title, Relocation

Tue May 6 2008, 19:26