First Time Home Buyer
How exciting this is, but also there is so much to learn! Each step of the way is exciting but can also be confusing as well as frustrating. You will learn so much about houses and also about yourself and what you really like … it might just surprise you! My goal is to help you feel confident about your decisions.
How I Can Help You as a First Time Home Buyer
Finding a Lender
I have worked with many lenders throughout my 22+ years as a licensed REALTOR®, and I know who gets the job done without delay! I will give you the names of a few of these trustworthy people and invite you to contact each one. You need to feel comfortable with each person in this process of buying our first home.
The Idea of “Home”
What does “HOME” mean to you? When you are in search of your first home, you may envision the structure, the outside! But the inside is what gives you the feeling of warmth, safety, pride, belonging and possibly love. This is where more memories will grow as you travel this journey.
Navigating the Process
This can be exciting but also overwhelming. I am here with you each step of the way to help you not only take the steps but also to understand the purpose for each step. You are not alone in this. I’m always here for you!
How to Approach Your Search
Let’s talk about where you want to live, what part of the community or area, how much space between houses, what you look at when you look out the window or the front door. Do you know what 800 Sq Ft feels like compared to 1500 Sq Ft? How large is your furniture and how will it fit in the space? How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you want? And probably most important, what is your budget?
Education Each Step of the Way
With many years of experience I have lots of great information to share with you. I can also provide scenarios that can emphasize the “why” and guide you through the process. My goal is to educate you through each step so you can feel confident with the decisions you make along the way.
What Price Range is Right for You?
When you are pre-qualified for a loan with the lender of your choice, it is critical to know what amount of payment you are comfortable with, and what amount is just not going to work. What I mean is that you may qualify for a home in a certain price range, but considering the monthly payment … how does that feel? Will you be able to buy a pizza once a month or put gas in your car to take a weekend adventure? You may just “fall in love” with a house, but does it feel like a home when you can’t do anything more? Most often, you won’t want to go to the top dollar of your qualification/buying power. And that’s perfectly OK!
Important Steps of Buying Your First Home
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Define "Home"
What do you want and what do you need?
What special feature will make a home stand out and feel more like it is meant to be your home?
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Find a Lender
You may already have a lender who you feel comfortable talking to and sharing your financial status. If not, I have worked with many lenders and I can refer you to some of the finest and most efficient lenders in our community.
In addition we will discuss the pros and cons of internet lenders vs local. Also, together with our lender, I can help you understand the power of credit scores and ways to improve yours.
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Search
Once we know the price range that works best for you, I can set up an automatic search that will bring in properties that fit into your criteria. In doing this, you will receive new and changed listings immediately.
No need to wait until it posts to another website, you’ll get it first! And I can adjust the criteria as we move forward if needed.
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Trust the Process
This is a proven process and a necessary process. Along the way, I’ll help you to understand each step.
I’m all for asking questions, regardless of how simple the question may seem. We learn and gather important information through the questions we ask.
So let’s go!
I love helping First Time Home Buyers learn how to navigate the process of buying their first home. It is very fulfilling for me to know the impact I’ve made on their lives.
Education: Cindy’s Experience
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REALTORS® with the GRI designation have in-depth training in legal and regulatory issues, technology, professional standards, and the sales process. To earn the GRI designation is a 3 year commitment.
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Certified Residential Specialist is the most prestigious and highest credential awarded to residential sales agents, managers and brokers. It is also a commitment to on-going education.
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Emphasizes the knowledge and expertise to guide homebuyers and sellers over the age of 50. Included are special needs and circumstances that may be a determining factor in the client’s housing needs.
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A certification for REALTORS® who help buyers and sellers of distressed properties. The certification can help realtors with tasks like qualifying sellers for short sales, developing short-sale packages, and negotiating with lenders
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The Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) designation for real estate agents signifies expertise in representing homebuyers. The ABR is a mark of specialized knowledge, experience, and commitment to serving buyers effectively.
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When I refer my clients to other areas in our country, the first thing I look for is the designations of GRI and CRS. This combined designation tells me that I am sending my clients to a REALTOR® I can trust to be not only highly educated but also someone who is committed to providing the best service to all clients.
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A Real Estate licensee in Montana must complete a minimum of 12 CEUs (Continuing Education credits) per year in order to maintain their license. I strive to have 30-40 CEUs per year. There is no reason for me to be of a minimum mindset for my clients. You and I deserve much more than that!
Education: Other Resources Available
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I always encourage that first time homebuyers take the course. It is offered locally and you will learn so very much. Promise, you’ll be grateful that you took the class! There may be incentives and monetary benefits to help you attain your goal … becoming a home owner!
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Montana Board of Housing may have funds available to assist the first time home buyers. There are specific criteria to meet, but for some it is extremely helpful. Your lender can help you through the process of obtaining help from this organization
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Our local title companies are always here to help as we navigate through the home buying process. Take a look through this guide: “Home Buyers Guide”. This document is provided by the very helpful staff of Flying S Title and Escrow in Helena. Such a great resource!
—Irina