6 Tips For The First Time Home Buyer

By Fran Campbell - October 05, 2018

If you are reading this then you are more than you're more than likely considering buying your first home very soon. First off, The Fran Campbell Team wants to say congratulations! Buying your first piece of real estate at the Lake of the Ozarks is a big step but it will be so rewarding once you get the keys to your first home! With that being said, if you have never been through the home buying process, knowing what to do can be overwhelming. Don't worry or stress because our team of real estate agents at the Lake of the Ozarks have a few tips to make your home buying process a success!

Choose Location First.

You can change a lot of things about your new home after you buy it. You can repaint, remodel, and renovate anything you want, but there is one thing you will never be able to change: location. Before you even begin shopping for homes, you should choose where you want to live. There's no point in getting your heart set on a property that's in the wrong place.

Get Prequalified or Preapproved ASAP.

Most of us can't buy a house without getting a mortgage loan. The loan approval process is a winding journey all on its own; depending on your progress on that particular journey, you can either aid or hinder your home buying efforts. Before you begin seriously shopping for homes, we strongly recommend you talk to a lender and get prequalified or preapproved. This will be very helpful going forward!

Always Think Resale Value.

It doesn't matter if you plan to live in your new home for five years or thirty-five years - when you're buying a house, you should always think about how much you will be able to get for it if/when you decide to sell in the future. Resale value can be affected by many different factors, such as the local school district, nearby construction, the view, and quality of the home. Ideally, you should make sure you're buying a home that you'll be able to sell easily (and for a profit).

Factor In The Cost Of Home Improvements.

Honestly, the odds that you will find a home you absolutely love and don't want to change anything about are pretty slim. Almost every buyer wants to change things about their new home after they move in, whether it's as simple as repainting the extra bedroom or as drastic as remodeling the kitchen. Regardless of what your plans are, be sure to consider the cost of your desired home improvements and make sure you set aside enough money to cover them.

Have a Trusted Real Estate Agent By Your Side

If you have never purchased a home before, having a real estate agent to help you through the process is important. When you have a real estate agent by your side, they can find the properties you are looking for and help you with the negotiation process. If you don't have a real estate agent yet, Fran Campbell Team is here to help! Our team of experienced agents would love to help you find your very own Lake of the Ozarks condo or single-family home. Give us a call at 573-302-2390 or stop by our office to get the process started!

Contact the Fran Campbell Team to schedule a showing!