New Home Buyers

Hi friends! It's been awhile since I've posted (as usual). As you know, I don't like to frivolously post and share. I like to make sure the info I'm sharing is worth your time and attention. In an effort to share helpful knowledge with you, I recently reached out to several realtors in the area. See, I usually ask my clients why they have chosen to elope. Almost every one of my clients has told me that they want to make smarter decisions with their money, and for many, that meant buying their first home. So that got me thinking - Huh! I bet a lot of these clients could use some advice from a realtor!

One of the realtors I met was a super cool person named Costner Merrifield. Costner (which is an awesome name, BTW) is super passionate about many of the same things I am - creating happy clients and being a resource to make your lives easier. So I asked her to write a blog post with some helpful tips on buying your first home. Costner graciously agreed, and I'm sharing that blog post with you today!

You can find more about Costner and her services at . Her contact info is also at the end of this article. I hope you find this helpful!

-Charity

A very old pic from my husband and my very first home back in 2013.

The Elopement Co. is going to give you the most fabulous elopement you could possibly imagine, but what about that next step in your newlywed life? Buying your first home! Not sure what to expect? That’s where I, The REALTOR, come in! I know it’s a HUGE step in your life, but believe me you've got this! Contrary to popular belief, real estate agents are not there just to collect commission! The RIGHT agent is there to make your home buying process as simple and enjoyable as possible, all while educating you along the way!

Here are 5 quick tips to help get you started:

1.GET PRE-QUALIFIED

DO IT! Seriously. Nothing is worse than falling in love with "the perfect home" and then finding out you can’t afford it. Start by finding a Lender. If you don’t know how to find one, I can put you in touch with some of our preferred Lenders that have shown proven success with previous clients. From there, the Lender will take you through the pre-qualifying process step by step. (Typically, it’s as easy as filling out a form online!)

2. CREATE YOUR CHECKLIST

What is important to you? Write out your wish list. Maybe you want a nice neighborhood with all the amenities, maybe you're a foodie that wants to be near all the hot new restaurants. Whatever is on your list, create it and set those standards! It’s nice to let me as your REALTOR know exactly what you're looking for, so I can help guide you in the right direction. **A bit of advice, it is smart to keep resale in mind while searching for your new home. You want to make sure this could be a good investment for you down the road.**

3. BE REALISTIC

We all watch HGTV right? SO addicting, Fixer Upper is my jam y'all! Just know you may need to see more than 3 homes to decide which one is best for you and that is ok! Compare it to finally finding your soulmate, finding a home is just as precious. That being said, the wish list you made...be ready to compromise (like relationships, am I right?!). Just because it doesn’t check all the boxes, doesn’t mean it isn’t "the one". Also, be realistic with your budget. Work closely with your Lender to decide a comfortable payment for you. There are many types of loans and your Lender will help you decide what is best for you. (You can visit and click the "Buyers" tab to learn more on this subject.) Save, Save, Save! You'll thank yourself later!

4. COMMUNICATE

Be ready to be an open book not only with me, but your Lender as well. Communication is KEY because in this market, time is of the essence! Houses can literally be under contract in a matter of hours, so get ready to get friendly! That’s why it is SO important that you enjoy everyone you are working with! YOU get to choose those people, pretty cool right?

5. ENJOY THE PROCESS

Just remember, this is an exciting time for you and whatever home you pick out, it will be YOURS! So, take a deep breath and have a blast! The best thing as your REALTOR, is the pure joy I see once the closing is done, those keys in your hands and us celebrating together!

Congrats on this monumental time in your life! I wish you the absolute best on your big day and hope this blog helped even a tiny bit. If you have any further questions, reach out any time! Once you get to know me, you'll learn I love to chat!

Happy Elopement and future house hunting!

Costner Merrifield

Newmel Properties

(336)978-6054

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