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First Love…First House…First Time Home Buyers

Finding your first house is a bit like falling in love. Your heart beats a little bit faster, and you just know when it’s right. Your future looms before you, rife with fantastic possibilities. The view of the rolling hills from the kitchen window may have cinched the deal for you. Or perhaps alluring details like a stone fireplace or a wrap-around porch won your heart. Before you leap off the deep end, take a deep breath, try to look nonchalant and take a look at some of the most important things to consider when purchasing your first home:

All about Location. The old adage about “location, location, location” is rooted in truth. You might be able to tolerate a charming little cottage that’s a block away from the railroad tracks, but who else won’t mind the noise? Who will buy it when you are ready to sell it one day?

Top Schools. If you’ve already lived in an area for awhile, you have a fairly good idea about local schools. If you’re relocating to a new community, a good real estate agent can “educate” you and pinpoint the best school district for your children. Even if you don’t have children, having your home in a strong school district makes your home more valuable and easier to sell when the time comes.

Just a swingin’! Neighborhoods have a certain feel. If you have small children, you can scan backyards closely, looking for play equipment. Swing sets mean families with small children live in the neighborhood. You’re probably looking for PLU – people like us – people who not only understand exactly how to get gum unstuck from a 4-year-old’s new t-shirt but who also long for adult conversation as much as you do.

Everyone Loves a Quality Builder. Every model house looks good. A staging expert has prepared everything to pull at your heart strings – gleaming kitchen countertops, marble tiles, sparkling white baseboards, etc. Depend on an expert REALTOR® to give the real rating builders in a given area.

Inspector #37…or so. A home inspector is worth his/her weight in gold. Fortunately, they’re not that expensive. You may discover your dream home is more like a nightmare. Or you may gain knowledge that can give you negotiating power on the price or closing costs.

Buying your first home is one of the most exciting decisions you’ll ever make. Like a whirlwind romance, it can take your breath away….it can take you by storm…..it can sweep you off your feet. After the infatuation wears off, you want a place that continues to make your heart sing. Only you know which house can stir your heart like that!

I’m Crazy Viv, and I want to help you find your perfect match! First time home buyers are my specialty. Give me a call today, and let’s turn a house into your first home!