Buying your first home can be an exciting adventure, a new chapter in your life. But it’s also a big step and a huge financial commitment, especially when you consider rising home prices and interest rates. So you need to make sure you get it right and choose a home that truly meets your needs. It pays, then, to know what to look for in a home. To help you out, here are 5 things first-time home buyers should be looking for in their new Atlanta home.
1. Your Financial Health
While not strictly something first-time home buyers should look for in a new Atlanta home, this is still an important first step. You should begin the process by assessing your financial health and then improving it if necessary.
Certainly, you’ll need to check your credit score and then do what it takes to get it up so that you can get better terms on your mortgage. Experts also recommend that you pay down or off as much of your existing debt as possible. And you should work on saving an emergency fund of at least three to six months’ expenses.
2. The Best Type of Home
Next, first-time home buyers should determine what type of home will best suit their needs. For example, would be better off buying a single-family home, a duplex, or a condo? Each has its own pros and cons that must be taken into account.
If you opt for a single-family home, do you want a move-in-ready home or a fixer-upper? The latter will cost far less, but you’ll also have to invest sweat equity and time and money for the needed materials.
These can be some tough decisions, so be sure to consult an experienced Atlanta agent for some guidance. To discover more, just call (404) 977-5054.
3. Features, Needs, and Wants
Having checked their finances and determined what type of home will best suit their needs, first-time buyers then need to consider features. This will involve compiling a list of needs and wants, that is, must-haves and like-to-haves.
Buying a home will be the biggest purchase of your life, so you’ll need to try to find a home with as many of the features you need and want. Be sure to consider such features as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, the layout, the square footage, outdoor living space, proximity to amenities, and so on.
Your best bet in finding a home with the features you both need and want is to work closely with a Atlanta agent. To find an experienced agent, just call (404) 977-5054.
4. The Right Neighborhood
First-time home buyers should keep in mind that they aren’t just buying a home, but also buying into a neighborhood. So make sure the personality of the neighborhood is a good fit for you and your family.
Really, it’s better to compromise on the home (the features) than on the neighborhood. Be sure to check out crime rates, the quality of the local schools, and what your new neighbors will be like. Visit the neighborhood at different times to see what it is actually like.
5. Size of the Home
After determining what they need and want with respect to features, first-time home buyers also need to consider the size of the home. How much square footage and how many beds and baths will you need to accommodate your family and your lifestyle?
This will depend on both your needs and your personal preferences. You should also take into account how likely it is your family will grow.
But keep in mind that a larger home also comes with a cost. You will pay more in utility bills, and your maintenance costs will be higher. The other side of that coin is that you don’t want to feel cramped either.
And Find a Good Atlanta Agent
For almost all first-time home buyers looking for their new Atlanta home, the services of an experienced Atlanta agent will be indispensable. A good agent can help you find the right home, navigate the entire process, and negotiate the best deal. So if you’re among the first-time home buyers in Atlanta, don’t hesitate to contact us at (404) 977-5054.