If you’re a first-time homebuyer, this is a big adventure! Well, it’s a big adventure whether it’s your first, second, or fifth home, too.
But if you’re buying a house for the first time, you need to learn as much as you can about the process—it’ll save you time, money, and hassle during and after your purchase.
5 Tips for First-Time Homebuyers
- Think about your future in the home. If you’re planning on growing your family—or if your kids will soon head off to college—those facts should play a role in your buying decision. You’ll also need to think about whether you’ll eventually sell; if you’re purchasing a home in a school district that gets a bad rap, it might not matter to you… but it may matter to people who are thinking about buying the home from you.
- Look at all your possible expenses. Don’t forget to figure out how much you’ll pay in utilities, the costs of commuting to and from work or school, and your principal, interest, taxes, and insurance.
- Read the homeowners association contract before you buy. You’ll need to find out whether you can repaint your home, what you’ll have to do to add a swing set to the backyard, and whether you’ll be allowed to rent out your home if you need to move.
- Learn about neighborhood demographics. Are many of the homes in the neighborhood rented, or are they primarily owner-occupied? Sometimes neighborhoods that are overflowing with renters become neglected—but not always. It’s a good idea to get a feel for the neighborhood demographics before you get your heart set on a home.
- Look beyond what you see right now. When you’re visiting homes for sale in Tampa Bay, you’ll see all the houses at their best. They’re staged. And that’s for good reason: owners want to showcase their homes’ best features in order to sell them quickly and at the best prices. That means you’ll need to look beyond the staging—and find out if what you envision is really possible in the home without remodeling.
Are You Looking for a New Home in Tampa Bay?
When you’re ready to start looking at homes for sale in Hillsborough County, Pasco County or Pinellas County, we’re here to help.
Call us at 727-584-8480 or 813-961-6000. If it’s easier, get in touch with us online. We’ll begin searching for your new home right away.