any tips for a first time home buyer?

[Joab]

Get a buyers agent

 

[Realtor]

Never ever deal with HUD....

Why is this?

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Money is cheap to borrow right now. Put down the minimum required and keep the rest in the bank. With a house in the price range you're looking at, your mortgage payment will be low regardless of weather you put 3k down or 10k. Hire a good home inspector with plenty of experience, they're worth the extra money over someone green with only a few years in the field. PM me if you need a referral for someone. I spent many years in the mortgage industry and know alot of folks in your area.

Thanks blue will do

 

[acman]

I agree with classic blue.

 

[b.a.customkydex]

Do what we did, no money down loan..

 

[Cobalt 60]

Never ever deal with HUD....

Cause they are a pain in the ass and will delay your closing for months, if not cancel it altogether without any explanation of the issue they are having with the title.

 

[1EDsson]

Have someone who knows what they are doing inspect the house. Especially for hvac problem and moisture problems. I do hvac work and have seen a lot of people buy without knowing the ac is leaking freon or leaking air out of ductwork. I have also seen lot of moisture problems in crawl spaces.

Pay attention to the lay of the land/slope. Water is the enemy.

What he said. I would even go so far as to get a second home inspection. We got one from a reputable inspector and things are popping up that should have been caught. I can't help but wonder if a second opinion may have helped.

Avoid anything that has to do with a HOA

Don't buy anything less than 3 bedrooms

I'm a firm believer in the house is only part of the worth, look for something that sits on a reasonable amount of land. 1/2 acre minimum

Be prepared for house repairs and make sure that you can afford for 1k or more dollar repairs that may pop up.


Good luck, buying a house was the best and worst decision I ever made.

Get a buyers agent

All good advice here, especially these quotes above. Can you find a house in that price range?
If you have any construction related questions, let me know. I've been in the home building business for a long time.

 

[ATLEMT]

Trader, do you currently live in a house or apartment?

 

[BackWoods]

Cause they are a pain in the ass and will delay your closing for months, if not cancel it altogether without any explanation of the issue they are having with the title.

This....took almost 4m for me to close on my house...delay,delay,delay...plus they don't fax/mail anything...if you have to sign something you have to drive down to good ol' ATL...

 

[Wolf six]

beware of poltergeists

 

[B. Byrd]

Use independent home inspector, not one recommended by agent who has vested interest in the deal closing. Pet inspector might be persuaded to minimize an existing problem. Make sure inspector is representing your interests and not the interests of the agent or lender.