First-Time Home Buyers

• Pre-Approval: While knowing how much you can afford is the first step, sellers will be much more receptive to potential buyers who have been pre-approved. You'll also avoid being disappointed when going after homes that are out of your price range. With Pre-Approval, the buyer actually applies for a mortgage and receives a commitment in writing from a lender. This way, assuming the home you're interested in is at or under the amount you are pre-qualified for, the seller knows immediately that you are a serious buyer for that property. The WARDLAW Real Estate Team works with several proven lenders that would be happy to meet with you at no cost or obligation to discuss financial options and pre-approve you for a loan.
  
• List of Needs & Wants: Make 2 lists. The first should include items you must have (i.e., the number of bedrooms you need for the size of your family, a one-story house if accessibility is a factor, etc.). The second list is your wishes, things you would like to have (pool, den, etc.) but that are not absolutely necessary. Realistically for first-time buyers, you probably will not get everything on your wish list, but it will keep you on track for what you are looking for.  The WARDLAW Real Estate Team will be happy to meet with you to help you refine a list of your wants and needs as a beginning step to finding your perfect home.
  
• Representation by a Professional: Consider hiring your own real estate agent, one who is working for you, the buyer, not the seller.  There are many steps buyers need to take before actually moving into your dream home, the WARDLAW Real Estate Team are professionals whose experience and assistance helps buyers feel comfortable thoughout the entire buying process.
  
• Focus & Organization: In a convenient location, keep handy the items that will assist you in maximizing your home search efforts. Such items may include:
  1. One or more detailed maps with your areas of interest highlighted.
  2. A file of the properties that your agent has shown to you or ones you have found through other sources.
  3. Paper and pen, for taking notes as you search.
  4. Instant or video camera to help refresh your memory on individual properties, especially if you are attending a series of showings.
  5. Location: Look at a potential property as if you are the seller. Would a prospective buyer find it attractive based on school district, crime rate, proximity to positive (shopping, parks, freeway access) and negative (abandoned properties, garbage dump, source of noise) features of the area? Remember the most important 3 factors in choosing a home are location, location, and location.
• Visualize the house with your decor: Are the rooms laid out to fit your needs? Is there enough light?  Remember that empty rooms appear smaller than they actually are.  Take a tape measure and know the sizes of important furniture that you will be bringing to your new home to see how it will fit. 
  
• Be Objective: Instead of thinking with your heart when you find a home, think with your head. Does this home really meet your needs? There are many houses on the market, so don't make a hurried decision that you may regret later.  But likewise, don't rule out that the first home you see is the "right" one! 
  
• Be Thorough: A few extra dollars well spent now may save you big expenses in the long run. Don't forget such essentials as:
  1. Include inspection & mortgage contingencies in your written offer.
  2. Have the property inspected by a professional inspector.
  3. Request a second walk-through to take place within 24 hours of closing.
  Working with the WARDLAW Real Estate Team you'll have experts in your corner to make sure your offer, negotiations, and all the details are handled with the utmost care and professionalism.
• All the above may seem rather overwhelming. That is why having a professional represent you and keep track of all the details for you is highly recommended. Please email the WARDLAW Real Estate Team at Info@WardlawRealEstateTeam.com or call at 502-807-2384 to answer your questions or concerns.  Put us to work to help you - that's what we do best.