Let’s get started

So you are thinking about buying your first home? I thought I would put down a list of the things I wish clients knew before they started the process.

1) No one’s credit is perfect!! Nearly every client that starts the process to buy a home has to take a few months to clean up their credit. Some need to take even longer and that is OK. It’s normal to have something on your credit report that reflects negatively. Sometimes you might not even be aware of it. There are many free sites you can use to get your score. The one I like is Annualcreditreport.com Checking your credit score a few times a year WILL NOT impact your score. That is just a myth. Knowledge is power

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2) Choosing a mortgage broker or a real estate agent is like picking strawberries. They are always better from your back yard!! Local lenders and agents have a reputation to uphold. If they get a bad reputation the referrals they depend on will dry up. If 1-800- dial-an-agent messes up, they just move on the the next caller in the bin.  Having one -on- one care throughout the process ensures your success.

3) Your first home will not be your last home.

This is the advice I most often give to first time home buyers. Seldom can first time buyers afford the home they REALLY want. That doesn’t mean you can’t have it. You just need to be smart about it. Buying a good, strong, “ugly” home is often a great way to buy. If the home is solidly built, with no structural problems and has pink tile countertops and shag carpeting, that is a great first time home. With a bit of sweat and many YOUTUBE videos, you can have enough equity in a few years to trade  up to your dream home.

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To get started, give me a call.  I’d be happy to help you start to build your bright future.

Barbara Stephenson

Windermere Kelso Longview

360-562-6382

barbaras@windermere.com