Apr 3, 2023

7 Tips for First-Time Homebuyers

Category: Homebuyer Resources

7 Tips for First-Time Homebuyers

Tips for First-Time Homebuyers

How do I buy my first home?

Buying a home for the first time is a journey that everyone dreams about. But where should you start? Here are just a few tips to make your first home-buying experience a good one!

Know what you can afford.

Before you start looking for a home, it's important to have a realistic idea of what you can afford. Make sure you have a budget in place that includes all of your monthly expenses, as well as your down payment and closing costs. This is a great time to get pre-qualified and explore your financing options. We recommend you start with our preferred lender, loanDepot, for the best experience in Northern Colorado.

Location, location, location.

This is an enduring phrase in real estate for a reason. Finding the right home is incomplete when you don't factor in the surrounding neighborhood and community. Balancing your commute, school districts, access to Colorado outdoor activities, and more can create quite the search. Finding the right city and community before you dig into floor plans is a great place to begin.

Consider your future wants and needs.

Are you planning on starting a family? Is this your forever home to age in place? Does your dog enjoy a yard to roam in? Think of all the questions you can muster and find your priorities. A home is best when it is ready for whatever is next in your life.

Explore different types of homes.

Condominiums, townhomes, and single-family, there are certainly plenty of choices on the market. Attached homes offer loads of benefits that you may not have previously considered, from improved safety to maintenance-free outdoor spaces. Consider your priority list and get out into your community to find the option that best suits your lifestyle.

Find the style that makes you happiest.

Design trends come and go, but some design styles are timeless. Starting with a new construction home that is ready and fits into your ideal aesthetic can be a source of pride and joy in your life. Plus, you won't have to worry about DIY projects on the weekend or managing a construction zone where you live to bring your home up to date.

Dig into floor plans.

Based on your priority list you should have a pretty good idea of your needs from a floor plan. But, there is still a massive amount of variety when it comes to homes. Do you prefer open-concept living? Is a main-floor primary bedroom a must-have? There are plenty of questions to ask yourself here and the best step is to simply explore as many floor plans as you can both virtually and in-person.

Enjoy the journey.

The excitement of buying your first home can get overshadowed by the decisions, budgeting, meetings, and other work that goes into it. Make sure to take time to reflect on how incredible this experience is. You only get to buy your first home once, so be sure to soak up the highs of your experience.

If you are still having a hard time finding where to start, we would love the chance to walk you through buying a home with us. Call or text 970-632-6385 to reach Kendra, our online sales consultant, to get the process started!