| If you are a first time home buyer who is toying with | | | | you require three bedrooms and two bathrooms in |
| the idea of purchasing your own place, refrain from | | | | your new home? Then list that as a "must have" on |
| jumping into it blindly. While buying your first home is | | | | your list. Would you like an entertainment room if |
| certainly an exciting prospect, the whole experience | | | | possible? Then list that as a "wish list" item. Decide |
| can be made much more enjoyable and less stressful | | | | which things are required and which things you would |
| if you go about the project with a straightforward plan. | | | | like to have if you could get them at the right price. Do |
| 1. Find your price range: Before you do anything else, | | | | not forget to think about the future if you are planning |
| make an appointment with your bank to find out how | | | | to stay in this home for five or more years; you might |
| to get pre-approved for a mortgage. A pre-approved | | | | be a single person now who only needs one bedroom |
| mortgage will let you know the absolute limits of what | | | | and one bathroom but that could change in a few |
| you can afford to spend on a house which will, in turn, | | | | years. Let yourself have a bit of space for family |
| let you know what properties that you can reasonably | | | | expansion if possible. Communicate this list to your |
| look at buying. | | | | buyer's agent! |
| 2. Pick a buyer's agent: Ask friends and family if they | | | | 4. Go out and look: Using your price range from the |
| have any recommendations, but take the time to | | | | bank and your list of "must haves" that you came up |
| interview any agents who you are interested in using. | | | | with, look at homes in your price range. Your buyer's |
| Just because someone worked well with your brother, | | | | agent can help you find ones that fit the bill so that you |
| doesn't mean they will necessarily have a compatible | | | | don't waste time looking at homes that you can't |
| personality with you. It is a good idea to hire a buyer's | | | | afford or don't fit your needs. Work with your buyer's |
| agent who has at least a few years experience and | | | | agent to put forth fair offers on homes that you think |
| has a specialty in any kind of niche market you're | | | | would fit with your needs. |
| interested in buying into like condos, farms, or luxury | | | | Buying your first home shouldn't be a really stressful |
| properties. | | | | endeavour; if you take the time to accomplish the job |
| 3. Decide what you want: Sit down and brainstorm a | | | | in small logical steps you can easily make it into a |
| list of home features that you can't live without. Do | | | | much more enjoyable experience. |