1. Save Save Save.
This is a no brainer to some, but even I don’t think I realized during the process of home buying how many things I did not think of. Outside of the money you might need to first secure your home like earnest money, closing cost etc. I would recommend having an account for cost to first secure the home, and then a savings or spend account for things you know you wanna purchase for the home. Purchases for the home are going to be a constant thing you’re making. You can limit yourself of course but just make sure you have enough secured to where you don’t have to put all big purchases on a major credit card. I recommend having a plan for the big purchases you will be making and small things you hope to have as well. 

2. Get a realtor
Securing a realtor is not going to be another bill out of your pocket. The realtor is paid off of commission from the home you finally to choose to purchase, wether that be one on the market or a new build. I always recommend getting a realtor if you’re a first time home buyer mainly because this a new process for most. I’m sure you’ve done your research along this process but if you’re someone who is not confident with the process it’s great to have someone present that can answer any questions you may have. Some of the language and documents I was required to sign I had no idea what most of it meant lol so it was good to have someone present that I could lean over to and ask that was solely there for me and my boyfriend at the time.

3. Research the area and type of home you’re looking to purchase.
Think about the things you’re looking for in your home and the budget you would like to stay within when looking to purchase. Narrowing this down will help tremendously when working with a realtor because then they know what to help you look for, and will stay within your budget. This will also give you an idea of what you can get within that budget. Look for the schools, major highways, and even things to do in your area. I knew I wanted my daughters daycare and future school to be no longer than 10 minutes away from our home. I also considered what my travel time to and from work would be on the major highway closest to our home. Once we narrowed down the type of home we wanted, we focused on what we wanted for our home. A big back yard, an open space kitchen, wether or not we wanted a new build or we can just find one that met our needs already on the market. Ultimately we decided on a new build and it was the best decision we made. You can customize everything in a new home purchase and it’s so fun getting the chance to do it.

4. Concerns
Your first mind is your best mind. I always say this lol if something is bothering you during this home buying process don’t be afraid to speak up about any concerns you have. This is going to be one of the biggest investments you will ever make in your life.
Once the home buying process is over, you are responsible for every single issue that comes up with the home. Make sure all your concerns are addressed prior to closing.

5. Take your time.
Your home is where you spend the majority of your time. I’m sure we’ve all become very acquainted with our home during this pandemic, and realized there are some changes we wanted to make. I am a certified home body. I love to be home, I love doing random home projects, and I love searching the internet for home inspiration. Searching for inspiration for your home is exciting but can also become overwhelming when trying to furnish every room in your house from scratch lol, my biggest piece of advice for this is to TAKE YOUR TIME. If you have no ideas on what you want the vibe in your home to be that’s perfectly fine. Live in your home. Take the time and think about what you want your home to feel like when you’re relaxing, or what you want people to smell when they walk through the doors. Lol that sounds so anal but I’m telling you the little details matter. Ultimately I’m saying don’t feel rushed. You’re spending your money to furnish, and if you’re like me I can be pretty indecisive which is why I don’t like making decisions just because.

I hope this list helped. Let me know your concerns about home buying. I’ll try my best to answer from my point of view.