Nothing can be more exciting & terrifying at the same time than buying your 1st home. Everyone talks about all the advantages of buying real estate such as the tax benefits, appreciation etc. But there are some risks involved and the more knowledge you have before you start the process the less vulnerable you will be to those risks. Now that you have decided to take the plunge there are some things you can go to make the experience exciting and pleasurable.

One of the 1st things you should do is interview 3 Mortgage Specialists. This accomplishes 3 things, 1st you know in advance how much home you can afford. The worst feeling is to go out looking, find your dream home and then realize you cannot afford it. After that it will be really frustrating trying to find another home. Knowing what your price range is before you start looking assures that when you do find a home you will be able to afford it. 2nd, once you decide to put in an offer, being Pre-Approved puts you in a stronger bargaining position, especially it you happen to be in a multiple offer situation. 3nd you will have a relationship established with a mortgage broker. This will move things along much more efficiently once you have found your home.

Now that you have been Pre- Approved it is time to start the Search for your dream Home. 95% of people turn to the Internet to start that search. There are many options but realtor.com is probably the most popular. This tool can help you get to know the real estate market in the area you want to live. Check out the average home prices for the size of home you are looking to purchase in any given area. Real Estate prices can really fluctuate greatly even in the same city.

Once you have found a few homes that interest you, it is time to call a real estate agent. Having a buyers agent costs you nothing, the seller pays all the fees. So take advantage of all the benefits they have to offer. Here is a sample:

Evaluate the specific needs and wants of the buyer and locate properties that fit those specifications.

Assist the buyer in determining the amount that they can afford (pre-qualify) and show properties in that price range and locale the consumer has determined.

Assist in viewing properties and either accompany the client on the showings or preview the properties on behalf of the client to insure that the identified specifications are met.

Research the selected properties to identify any problems or issues to help the consumer in making an informed decision prior to making an appropriate offer on the property.

Advise the client on structuring an appropriate offer to purchase the selected property.

Present the offer to the sellers agent and seller on the clients behalf.

Negotiate on behalf of the buyer client to help obtain the identified property. Keep in mind that the buyer agent will be doing so with their clients best interests in mind.

Review and explain all legal documents to their buyer client.

Recommendations and assistance in securing appropriate financing for the selected property.

Provide a list of potential qualified vendors e.g. movers, attorneys, carpenters if these services are needed by the consumer.

Now that you are ready to buy, you will begin the negotiating process. The seller wants the most money and the buyer wants to pay the least amount. This is where the expertise of your real estate agent comes in. Usually the seller gives a little and the buyer gives a little.

Knowledge is power when it comes to purchasing real estate, so educate yourself and the whole process will be exciting & pleasurable!