Going to look at first house

Well dh and are off to see our first house with a realotor tommorow. Let the house hunting begin. Im terrified about this transiition. anything has got to beat paing 2200 a month in rent. Any suggestions one what to do with the house hunting process. I am clueless and overwhelmed. I dont want the realotors to take advantage of us. thanks in advance for any support or suggestions.

Re: Going to look at first house

Well first you have to determine what you are looking for...have a general idea....do you want 3 br, 2 baths...do you need a big backyard? Do you only want a ranch?

Have set ideas in your mind so you can narrow down what you are looking for & also not wasting your time.

Look all over MLSLI.com...put in your parameters & go to the realtor showing them what type of house you are interested in. We saved so much time by looking at thousands of homes online & checking out the pics & the specs...also if you find a house you like on mlsli, ask your realtor for their specs which will include the address..then you can do a drive by on your own & also check out the address...maybe it sounds great but it backs against a highway or is on a busy street.

Narrow down the area you want to live...don't jump from town to town.

Truly work out your budget & know what you can/can't afford & realize you'll need a cushion in the bank for the inevitable things that will go wrong.

Have a budget range in your mind...I wouldn't tell the realtor your top dollar b/c they are bound to take you to houses over this range...also when making an offer you'll have a little leeway...

It helps too to get preapproved for a mortgage b/c you'll need this b4 you make an offer on a house.

Good luck!

Re: Going to look at first house

You and your DH should make a list (each of you) of what you need and what you want and what you are NOT willing to compromise on...ie..school district, busy street etc..

Put together all expenses and money that you can put down and decide how much you are willing to spend

DO NOT let a REA talk you into anything!!! There is so much inventory out there right now you can be picky!

Just have fun...and ask lots of questions

Also...once you find a house you like go back a second or third time and bring family members or trusted friends for a second opinion...this saved us from bidding on a house that was definetely not right for us!!

GOod Luck Oh and ask lots of questions on this board....everyone is so helpful!

Message edited 12/19/2007 9:51:53 PM.