10 Tips for First-Time Homebuyers

1. Be picky, but don’t be unrealistic. There is no perfect home.
2. Do your homework before you start looking. Decide specifically what features you want in a home and which are most important to you.
3. Get your finances in order. Review your credit report and be sure you have enough money to cover your downpayment and your closing costs.
4. Don’t wait to get a loan. Talk to a lender and get prequalified for a mortgage before you start looking.
5. Don’t ask too many people for opinions. It will drive you crazy. Select one or two people to turn to if you feel you need a second opinion.
6. Decide when you could move. When is your lease up? Are you allowed to sublet? How tight is the rental market in your area?
7. Think long-term. Are you looking for a starter house with the idea of moving up in a few years or do you hope to stay in this home longer? This decision may dictate what type of home you’ll buy as well as the type of mortgage terms that suit you best.
8. Don’t let yourself be “house poor”. If you max yourself out to buy the biggest home you can afford, you’ll have no money left for maintenance or decoration or to save money for other financial goals.
9. Don’t be naïve. Insist on a home inspection and, if possible, get a warranty from the seller to cover defects within one year.
10. Get help. Consider hiring a REALTOR® as a buyer’s representative. Unlike a listing agent, whose first duty is to the seller, a buyer’s representative is working only for you. And often, buyer’s reps are paid out of the seller’s commission payment.

6216 LODEWYCK ST Detroit Price: $20000 Short Sale! Offer already up to the bank. Beautiful home, well maintained. Owners must be present for all showings, after 6pm only please.

4505 CHADSWORTH ST COMMERCE TWP Price: $177500 Beautiful & Move in Ready! Short Sale Approval required!24 hour notice for showings! Nearly 3000 sq ft of living space! Large windows & rooms. Seperate dining & breakfast room on each side of the kitchen make serving a breeze. Gorgeous master bedroom with a total of 5 closets (3 large, 1 W/I & linen) Custom bath w/ceramic tile & granite counters, jetted tub, seperate shower, builtin dressing table. Corner lot-treed for privacy w/ tiered deck & paver patio. Rare find call now!