Buying Your First Home in Lancaster, Pickerington and Canal Winchester
Buying your first home? I explain every step, so you know what happens next.
The first steps to buying a home
Buying a home is one of life's biggest and most exciting milestones! Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or you've purchased before, knowing where to start can make the entire process smoother and less stressful.
Here are the first steps you need to know before buying a home!
- Connect With Me. Having the right agent by your side from the beginning makes all the difference! I'll help you understand the process, answer your questions, and guide you every step of the way.
- Understand Your Finances. Take a look at your credit, savings, monthly expenses, and what you're comfortable spending. Remember, what you qualify for and what you want to spend may be two different numbers!
- Talk With a Mortgage Lender. Getting pre-approved helps you understand your buying power, estimated monthly payments, and potential loan options. You'll also learn what you may need for a down payment and closing costs.
- Make Your Home Wish List. Think about your must-haves versus your nice-to-haves. Consider location, bedrooms, bathrooms, yard space, commute, and the features that matter most to your lifestyle.
- Understand the Additional Costs. Beyond your down payment, plan for closing costs, inspections, insurance, property taxes, and future home maintenance.
- Start Your Home Search! Now comes the fun part! We'll explore homes that fit your needs and budget, schedule showings, and find the one that feels right for you.
- Be Prepared to Make an Offer. Once you find the right home, I'll help you understand pricing, contingencies, negotiations, inspections, and what happens between an accepted offer and closing day.
My biggest advice? You don't have to figure everything out before reaching out to me. That's what I'm here for!
Book My Free Buyer Consultation
How I help you buy your first home
It begins with a free buyer consultation in my office. We meet each other, go over the documents you will see, and walk through how the whole process works. I like to have your pre-approval before then.
Once you have met with me and you are pre-approved, we can start looking at houses that same day. I can also send new listings to your email as they come on the market in the area you are searching.
I help every buyer the same way. The consultation covers everything, and you can read each step on my buying process page.
First-time buyers across the areas I serve
I help first-time buyers in Lancaster, Pickerington and Canal Winchester, Ohio. If you are not sure which fits you, my area pages compare them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be pre-approved before we look at homes?
I like to have your pre-approval before your buyer consultation. Once you have met with me and you are pre-approved, we can start looking at houses that same day.
Does the buyer consultation cost anything?
No. The buyer consultation is free. It is a time to meet each other, go over the documents you will see, and walk through how the whole process works.
Watch
Why Buyers Keep Losing Their Dream Homes
In this short video, I talk about why so many buyers miss out on their first few dream homes, and why having the right representation may be part of the answer.
Watch on FacebookPre-Qualified Doesn't Mean Approved
In this short video, I talk about the difference between being pre-qualified and being fully approved for a home loan.
Watch on FacebookFirst-Time Buyers by neighborhood
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Ready to make your move with Jill Howell?