ABR & SFR Certified, Experience MATTERS!!

First-Time Home buyer? 

Your Guide to Buying on the Mississippi Gulf Coast 

The prospect of buying a house can be scary for anyone, especially the first-time home buyer. But, the prospect of not investing money in something of value and “throwing it out the window” on rent each month is even scarier for others. With a number of loan programs for first-time home buyers, it’s still a great time to buy your first house.

THE FINANCIAL SIDE 

One of the first steps every first-time home buyer should take is to talk with a lender ( I can recommend several awesome lenders here on the Coast). A lender will help you determine your budget. The lender will run your credit score and help you to identify which loan program may best fit your needs.

Many home buyers still believe that you have to have a 20 percent down payment, NOT TRUE!!!. Let’s be honest, not many people have that much cash sitting in the bank, I know I sure don't. There are a wide variety of loan programs available to a first-time home buyer, ranging from zero percent (100% financing) to a 3.5 to 5 percent down payment. As well as down payment assistance programs you may be eligible for also.

A lender can also provide you with a good idea as to what your monthly payments will run, taking into account property taxes, insurance, and the loan amount. While you may qualify for a maximum loan of $185,000, you may decide to go with a house that costs less in order to have a payment that is more comfortable for you. Let’s be honest, no one wants to be “house poor,” spending so much on your monthly payments and utilities that there’s no cash left at the end of the month for all the fun stuff we have to do down here on the Coast!!

"CALL ME”

Once your budget has been set, it’s time for either you or the lender to call me.

I  will walk you through the entire process of buying your house. So, it’s extremely 

important that you found the right agent.

I have 18 plus years experience as a Top Producer here on the coast working with First Time Home buyers. I am an agent who understands your wants, needs, and situation. ASK LOTS OF QUESTIONS!! Go through My social media sites and website to get a feel for who I am and what I do. My "Millennial" clients refer to me as their "Nocturnal " Realtor as I am often up working till the wee hours of the night. After all y'all work hard all day and don't have time to work on buying or researching your purchase till the evening. Whether it takes you a week, three months or three years to find the right house, I will be there right alongside you every step of the way

CONCESSION, CONCESSION,CONCESSIONS!!

As you begin your search, know that no house will be perfect. There will be little quirks with almost every house we look at. Develop a list of the needs, wants, and desires you are looking for in your first house. Share that information with me so that I can incorporate that into the search. As you look, be open to suggestions (No house will have EVERYTHING you WANT (unless we go with new construction, which is a possibility as well). You’re bound to see some interesting choices in paint color and decor, leaving you to question, “Why in the world did they do that?” But don’t be afraid to look past the “outer beauty” and see the true potential the house has to become your first home. For example, some changes to a house are rather simple fixes. Flooring, paint, countertops, etc., can be changed over time. The location cannot. Most of my buyers want to put their own touches on their home anyway!!

DON'T OVERTHINK AND MISS THE BOAT

When you find a house that truly interests or speaks to you, don’t wait to make an offer. Buying in a tight housing market like we currently have presents a unique set of challenges. Regardless of how long a house has been on the market, it is one offer away from going under contract. Inventory is low so it’s not uncommon for a house that is priced right to receive multiple offers within days of being listed.

HAVE FUN!!!!!

Buying your first home shouldn’t be a chore. I can help make it a stress-free and enjoyable experience. Sure, it can be a challenge and sometimes test your patience. But, at the end of the day, you’ll have a place to call all your own! I treat ALL of my clients like family. Your happiness is the MOST important thing to me. I will NOT allow you to settle, we WILL find your Dream Home.