The Top Five Questions I get from First-time Homebuyers

Preparing to be a home owner for the first time can be exciting but also daunting if you don’t know where to begin. As I have taught many Home Buyer Seminars throughout the state and worked with many clients through this process, these are the most common questions I get asked:

1. What is the best website to use when finding a home? https://www.utahrealestate.com  This website stands out above all others because it is the most accurate as it is updated frequently, so you can trust that you’re seeing the latest homes on the market. It features the most up-to-date and complete property listings across Utah, giving you access to the widest range of homes, from new builds to unique properties. https://ownutahre.com is also a great option and links directly to the other.
2. What are the most common home loans as a first-time home buyer? The most common are: FHA– Federal Housing Association, USDA home loan is a zero-down-payment mortgage for home buyers in eligible towns and rural areas and Utah Housing– $20k grant (cannot be used for construction loans). Your lender will consider all of your financial information to determine which loan program is the best fit for your specific situation.

3. What are my upfront costs when buying a home? Down payment, Earnest money (part of your down payment), Home inspection, Appraisal, Buyer agent commission (usually covered by the seller).

4. Who is involved in the home buying process besides a real estate agent? There are many people involved in the home buying process. There is a Mortgage Lender, a Home Inspector, an Appraiser, Title company and possible others. Honestly, don’t worry too much about this part. Once you find a real estate agent you trust, they’ll likely already have a team they work with to make the process smooth.

5. What questions should I ask to ensure I get the best deal when buying a home? It’s all new and no question is a bad question. As a REALTOR®, I am a guide on the side and your advocate when purchasing a home! I will help you build your team and navigate the experience so it it as smooth as possible. I stay informed about the ever changing market to help you make the best informed decisions. I have a strong knowledge of the legal documents needed in the process, keep you updated on deadlines, protect your earnest money, and save you money because I am an expert negotiator. Don’t worry, I got you!