Buying a home is vastly different from buying a new car or shopping for the perfect living room to accent your home. It takes great planning and care. For many buyers it can be a very stressful and turbulent time in there life if there not prepared ahead of time on what to expect. There are financial obligations as well as the added pressure to find a reasonably sound home that will increase in value over time.
First thing is first the best thing you can do to help you navigate the waters is to find a good Realtor. Assuming your reading this blog your ahead of the game because you have the name, email, and phone number of a great one. (How dare you look confused, you know I am talking about Morrishia Dooley!) Not only have I been helping sellers sale there homes successfully for over a decade. I also have assisted countless buyers in finding the perfect home to fit there lifestyle. Many of my sellers and buyers have worked with me repeatedly over the years because they know my number never changes and neither does my work ethic. There are many homes for sale with different types of financing and a vast amount of programs that you may be eligible for. Just to name a few HUD Homes, Homepath, Homesteps, NSP, Good Neighbor Next Door, USDA and the list goes on and on. Your realtor can direct you to a lender that has expertise in this field assuming you have not already secured financing They can also offer some input on what to expect when dealing with a some of the programs. We all love surprises however, surprises are the one thing you don't need when buying a home. You want to know the details of your loan upfront.
Secondly sit down with the person that will be actively taking part in this venture with you. Talk about what features are important. Take out a sheet of paper make a column for your wants and needs. This is very important because a need is something that in many cases may not be negotiable such as a third bedroom. Or a home that has a two car garage and a small storage area. A buyer can be a little more flexible on a want. A want may include granite counter tops, cathedral ceilings, sunroom, jetted tub or low hanging chandeliers. Things that may not be considered deal breakers. 
Narrow down the cities you want to live in. The broader the range the more confusing it can become. Is there a centralized place you both would like to be near? Begin with that area and broaden your search outward from that point. If your moving from another state talk to your agent about what is important to you. Whether it is a great school, welcoming church, a place more geared to a single lifestyle or more family oriented, your agent will be able to help you find the resources to make an informed decision
Last but not least trusting your instinct. You know what is right for you and your family. Remember home is where the heart is. Whether you seek the mansion on the hill or the cottage at the end of the street. Choose what your vision of the perfect home is. Listen to other peoples input if its good advice but make sure the final choice is yours. Your imagination and love can flourish within those walls and a loved home is a well kept home.
As always thank you for reading my blogs. Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. Link with me on facebook and twitter. Remember if I don't know the answer, together we will find someone that does.
Morrishia Dooley-Associate Broker
Solid Source Realty
Office -770-475-1130 ext -3815
Direct`678-886-8353
Website- www.galleryofdwellings.com
Blog- therealestateavenue.blogspot.com
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/MorrishiaDooley
Twitter-https://twitter.com/mddwellings
