By Ally Dickie
Dec 14, 2012
Q: What is the best piece of advice you could give a first-time buyer when they contact a Realtor to purchase a home?
A: Start by finding an experienced real estate professional to guide you through every step of the process. Ask friends for referrals, contact the manager of a local real estate office for a recommendation, or visit public open houses and see if you meet an agent who makes you feel comfortable.
Next, find out what you can afford. There are lots of Internet resources to assist buyers in the early stages of home buying. By using an online mortgage calculator or searching “how much house can I afford”, you will generate some helpful price-range estimates.
Once you are ready to begin viewing homes, consult a mortgage broker. They will check your credit score, review your income and help get you pre-approved so you know exactly what you can spend. Having a pre-approval letter from a lender will also help you get an accepted offer once you find the perfect home.
Finally, viewing homes online will help you narrow down your buying criteria and show you what’s available in your price range.
— Ally Dickie, Prudential Connecticut Realty, 203-391-4065
