Buying your first home is a big step and there are important things to think about. Here are some simple things to consider:
1. **Budget:** Know how much you can afford. Calculate your monthly expenses and see how much you can comfortably spend on a mortgage payment.
2. **Down Payment:** You'll need money upfront as a down payment. Bigger down payments can mean lower monthly payments.
3. **Location:** Think about where you want to live. Consider the distance to work, family, and things you like to do.
4. **Type of Home:** Decide what type of home you want – like a house, condo, or townhouse. Each has its own pros and cons.
5. **Size:** How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? Think about how much space you'll want now and in the future.
6. **Condition:** Check the condition of the home. Look for repairs or renovations that might be needed.
7. **Loan Options:** Research different types of loans and interest rates. Pick the one that fits your financial situation.
8. **Hidden Costs:** Remember there are more costs than just the mortgage. Think about property taxes, insurance, and maintenance.
9. **Future Resale:** Even if it's your first home, think about its resale value in case you decide to move later.
10. **Neighborhood:** Research the neighborhood's safety, schools, and amenities. A good neighborhood can make a big difference.
11. **Paperwork:** Be ready for a lot of paperwork. Understand what you're signing and don't be afraid to ask questions.
12. **Emotions:** It's easy to get attached to a home, but try to stay practical and consider if it meets your needs.
13. **Future Plans:** Think about your future plans. Will this home still suit you in a few years?
Remember, take your time and don't rush into a decision. Buying a home is a big deal, so make sure it's the right fit for you and your future.
We can be your guide when you're buying your first home. Here's how we can make the process easier:
**1. Finding the Right Home:** We know the housing market like the back of ours hands. We listen to what you want in a home and show you houses that match your wishes and budget. This saves you tons of time compared to searching on your own.
**2. Explaining Stuff:** Home-buying can be like learning a new language with all the weird terms and paperwork. We translate it into plain English. We help you understand everything, from the price negotiations to the contracts.
**3. Navigating the Process:** Buying a home involves a lot of steps, like inspections, appraisals, and dealing with lenders. We guide you through each one, making sure you don't miss anything important.
**4. Negotiating Skills:** When it's time to make an offer, we know how to negotiate to get you a fair deal. We can help you avoid overpaying and make sure you don't miss out on a good deal either.
**5. Peace of Mind:** Having a trusted professional by your side can reduce stress. We handle the nitty-gritty details, so you can focus on the exciting part – moving into your new home!
In short, we work like your house-hunting guru, helping you find, buy, and settle into your dream home without the headaches.
Contact us today to get started!
REVIEWS
We can’t say enough wonderful things about Cristina Murphey! As first-time homebuyers, we were completely new to the process and honestly a little nervous going in, but Cristina made everything feel effortless from start to finish. She was incredibly patient, thorough, and genuinely invested in helping us find the perfect home. Cristina explained every step in a way that made sense, answered our (many!) questions promptly, and went above and beyond to advocate for us during negotiations and inspections. Her professionalism, warmth, and attention to detail made us feel supported every step of the way. We truly couldn’t have asked for a better experience or a more caring realtor. Thanks to Cristina, we’re now happily settled in our first home, and we’ll be recommending her to everyone we know!
Meaghan Delowery
I cannot recommend Cristina and her team highly enough! I live out of state and worked with Cristina to sell my mother's house. She was an incredible partner offering clear, honest and professional advice as we navigated the challenges of an extremely harsh market this summer. Cristina was extremely communicative, reaching out to me regularly via text or call with updates and seemed to ALWAYS be available for a quick call if I asked for one. Her knowledge of real estate trends, pricing, buyers/investors etc were evident in our discussions and instilled me with confidence that I was making the best decisions throughout our sales process. And there was no pressure from Cristina to make a decision a specific way. Instead she made sure I had all the information to make the right decision for my family. Just as importantly, Cristina was easy to connect with and we were able to laugh through the stressful times of the sales process. If you are looking for an realtor to help you buy or sell your home, you will not regret working with Cristina and her team.
Alisa Jeffery
