The start of the search for your first home is a very exciting time! You have likely been shopping around online, and now you are feeling ready to start seeing homes. You may have even chosen your target neighborhoods or areas of town and determined a budget. But before you begin the hunt, there is some key information you may want to consider.

Follow the home-search tips below to make finding your future home a seamless experience:

Talk with a real estate agent  – Find a knowledgeable Realtor who can assist you in your home search. This real estate agent should be someone with whom you are comfortable, who understands your needs and is familiar with the neighborhood you are interested in. Don’t be afraid to interview several agents before finding one who best fits your situation. If you need any recommendations on trusted real estate partners, I would be happy to provide them.

Become pre-approved  – Becoming pre-approved for a mortgage is a critical step in making sure you are prepared to purchase a home. This should be done before the home-search process begins so you are aware of how much home you can afford. This will also ensure that sellers know you are serious about home offers.

Make a list of priorities  – Make a list of things that are absolutely necessary in your first home. Additionally, make a list of things you would like to have but that may not be a top priority. This will allow you to stay organized and help rule out homes as you search. Once you have created this list, discuss it with your Realtor so they know what is important to you.

Search online  – While your real estate agent will help you find your future home, they will likely be focused on your top priorities and may pass up something that could interest you. Be sure to do some online home searching of your own to cover all bases. If you find something you like, send it to your agent and they can schedule a showing.

Prepare to make an offer  – In a competitive real estate market, realizing you’ve found your dream home often means you need to make an offer quickly. Consult with your real estate agent on what a fair offer may be. Make sure to take the time to compare the price, quality and features of other homes in the area that you are considering. Additionally, writing a personal offer letter to the seller can help your bid stand out in a multiple-offer situation.

Purchasing your first home is a major life milestone. My team and I understand that and are here to answer any questions you have about the process. If you don’t have a real estate agent, I would be happy to suggest the name of an excellent agent who can help you. Call me at your earliest convenience and we will work together to make your homeownership dreams a reality.