Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming without the right information. These tips will help first-time home buyers navigate the process with confidence. From understanding pre-approval and mortgage options to finding the right neighborhood, 
we provide the essential insights that will help you make informed decisions. 

Pre-Qualification: Meet with a mortgage broker to determine how much you can afford to invest in your new home.

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 can avoid being disappointed when going after the homes you are interested in that may be 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 their home. Costs for pre-approvals are generally nominal, and lenders will usually permit you to pay them when you close your loan.

List of Needs & Wants: Make TWO lists. The FIRST list should include items you MUST have (e.g., the desired number of bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage, etc.). The SECOND list should include your WISHLIST, in other words, things you would like to have (e.g., a backyard, pool, additional upgrades, etc.) but that aren't absolutely necessary. As first-time buyers, realistically, you probably won't get everything on your wishlist, but it will keep you on track for what you're looking for.

Focus & Organization: Keep all of the items that will assist you in maximizing your home search efforts in a convenient location. Such items may include:

• One or more detailed maps with your areas of interest highlighted.
• A file of the homes that your agent has shown to you, along with setup sheets and photos.
• Paper and pen, for taking notes as you search.
• Take pictures to help refresh your memory of individual homes.
• Look at the location of potential homes as if you are the seller. Would a prospective buyer find it attractive based on curb appeal, school districts, crime rate, and its proximity to positives (e.g., shopping, parks, freeway access) and negatives (e.g., abandoned properties, garbage dump, source of noise)?
  
  

Be Objective: Ask yourself the following questions when searching for your new home:

• Does this home really meet your needs?
• Does it financially make sense?
  
  

Be Thorough: A few extra dollars well spent now may save you big expenses in the long run. Don't forget the following essential steps:

• Include inspection and mortgage contingencies in your written offer.
• Have the property inspected by a professional inspector.
• Check to see that no changes have been made that weren't agreed upon (e.g., closing costs, repairs, etc.).

Representation by a Professional: Consider hiring us as your real estate agent. We specialize in the unique needs of first-time home buyers!

All the above may seem rather overwhelming. That's why it's highly recommended that you have a professional represent you and help you keep track of the details.
Please email us at michelle@redlandsrealestate.com or call us directly at (909) 747-2111 to discuss any of these matters in further detail.

The enclosed information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.