Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life

Tag: first-time home buyers

  • 4 Important Purchases to Make for Your First Home

    Congratulations! You’ve just purchased your first home. There’s no denying that this is a very exciting time in your life. Becoming a homeowner will bring many new opportunities your way, the first one being a chance to go shopping! As a first-time homebuyer, there are some things you need for your home that you may not have needed previously.  So grab a piece of paper and pen because it’s time to create the ultimate first-home shopping list.

    Bhgrelife.com - 4 Important Purchases to Make for Your First Home1. Lawn Equipment

    One amazing thing about owning a home is that you own the lawn, the grass, the flower beds, and everything else comes with the property. However, this also means you have to take care of what you own, and unless you’re hiring a landscaping company, you will need to purchase some lawn equipment. Here are a few useful tools to help with lawn maintenance and get you started in your outdoor maintenance:

     

     

     

    • Lawn mower
    • Weed whacker
    • Weed puller
    • Water hose and sprinkler
    • Ladder

  • Planning an Affordable Wedding (So You Can Buy Your First Home)

    With many new couples looking to buy a home as soon as possible, knowing how to plan an affordable wedding is a valuable skill. After all, if you’re spending on elaborate centerpieces, expensive venues, and high-end catered food, you won’t have as much left over to put towards a down payment when buying your first home later. The good news is you don’t have to sacrifice your dream day just to have funds for your dream house. You just have to know the amazing wedding planning tips that are finance-friendly. So, start planning your big day with these wedding tips, and don’t forget that you and your partner will also have an incredible future together that you want to be able to invest in.

     

    Planning an Affordable Wedding (So You Can Buy Your First Home) - bhgrelife.comCut the Guest List

    If you have a large family, cutting the guest list may not be a plausible option. However, cutting the list is worth considering, especially if you haven’t seen your great uncle since you were three years old. Be realistic about with whom you truly want to share this special day. A smaller wedding can be much more personable and special.

  • 10 Tips for First-time Home Buyers

    After months – maybe years – of preparation, you’ve decided to finally go for it and purchase your first home. Congratulations! This is a very exciting time for you, but it is important to never let the anticipation of being a first-time home buyer get in the way of making crucial decisions in the buying process. Although purchasing your first home is an amazing experience, it can also come with some challenges. With some tips and first-time buyer knowledge, the task can be less daunting and all the more exciting.

    10 Tips for First-time Home Buyers - bhgrelife.com

    1. Determine your budget

    The very first thing every first-time home buyer needs to determine is what he or she can afford. That will make your search significantly more effective. When calculating your budget, include all additional costs, such as insurance premiums, homeowners insurance, property taxes, HOA fees (if applicable), etc. Once you have determined your budget, you will know which homes are within your reach.

    2. Determine where you stand with lenders

    To make the buying process easier, know where you stand with lenders. If you have a credit score of 720 or above, you can shop around for a loan with the lowest interest rate. However, if you have a lower credit score, you may be restricted to higher rates. There are still many promising options available, but this could certainly increase your budget.

    3. Consider cost-saving moves

    As a first-time buyer, you want to get as much bang for your buck. There are several potentially cost-saving moves you may be interested in. Look for properties that are in foreclosure, or shop in neighborhoods with a high number of properties for sale to get the highest value for your dollar.