Champions First-Time Home Buyers Guide: Steps to Finding Your First Home 

The first thing you should do is determine if buying a home is right for you.  It may or may not be the right decision for you and this decision is up to you based on your situation.  Owning a home comes with certain responsibilities and costs.  For example, home maintenance, lawn care, and repairs, etc.  Once you have determined that buying a home is right for you here are a few tips to get you on the right path to purchasing your new home. 

·                     Get Your Finances in Order

Check your Credit Report and Score.  You want to know exactly what your credit score is, as this will play an important role in the mortgage approval process and in determining the interest rate and other loan terms the lender will offer.  Here is a website you can use to check your credit Annualcreditreport.com.  Don't forget to check the report for any errors and if there are any dispute them.           

·                     Determine Your Purchasing Power

Set up a meeting with lender, they will be able to go over the many loan options and help you determine which is the best option for you.  You may wish to talk to a few different lenders to see which each of them have to offer and who you will work best with throughout the home buying process. 

·                     Determine Your Wants & Needs 

This is the fun part.  Create a wish list of what you would like in your new home and what you need in your new home.  The home buying process will go a lot smoother if you have your list narrowed down before you start looking at homes. 

·                     Team Up With a Champions Real Estate Agent 

Finding the right real estate agent for you will make the home buying process as smooth as possible.  In the state of Nebraska, there are both Buyer and Seller agents.  As a buyer's agent we are working for you throughout the home buying process.  Our goal as a Champions Real Estate Team member is to educate and coach you through the entire process so you can make the best decision for you. 

·                     Start Searching for Homes 

 

There are many ways to search for your home.  You may choose to begin your search on the internet, drive neighborhoods, or pick up homes for sale magazines.  Your agent is a great resource and wealth of information to search for homes for you.  They will have access to most current and accurate information on the housing market.   Once you have found a few homes that interest you your agent can set up a time to go view the home. 

Look for our second part of Champions Home Buyers Guide as we discuss the next steps after you have found your home.  We will walk you through the steps to successfully close on your new home.