From: "Jess Easley" 
Newsgroups: biz.marketplace.real-estate
Subject: 10 Tips for First-Time Homebuyers 
Date: Wed, 24 Oct 2007 20:42:39 -0600
Bytes: 2982

  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.
These and other home-buyer tips are available at www.easley-realty.com.  No 
obligation.  We're here to help.

Specializing in Real Estate in the Flower Mound, TX area.  Contact Jess 
Easley at jess@easley-realty.com.