There is a lot to learn when you buy your first home. It involves much more than scrolling through the online MLS® listings and looking for the home with the nicest kitchen or the best curb appeal. The process of home searching, making an offer, negotiating a purchase, and closing the deal involves a lot of time, effort, and paperwork. It is important to choose the right Realtor® to partner with on your exciting, but daunting journey to home ownership.
If you are a first time home buyer and seeking a Realtor® to guide you through the process and ensure that your first real estate investment is a sound one, consider the team at Tanya Eklund Group. We specialize in inner city real estate, but have worked in and around Calgary helping many new buyers find their dream home in the ideal neighbourhood. Let us help you navigate the ins and outs of your first home purchase. Call us at (403) 863-7434.
As a first time home buyer, you may be feeling intimidated by the entire process and unsure where to even begin. One of the first things you should do is find a Realtor® who can help provide an effective strategy and guide you through each step along the way. Here are some things to look for as you select the most ideal real estate agent for you.
Choose A Realtor® Who Prioritizes Connecting With You
Many agents shop for leads with dollar signs in their eyes. They attempt to reel in as many potential clients as possible in the hopes of padding their chances of closing a deal. The most ideal agent will look at you as more than a potential commission. They will take the time to understand your goals for your investment and your lifestyle. They will look forward to what is to come for you and make sure that your first purchase will serve you now and in the future, whether that means a home that can grow with you or a smart investment that will let you level up when the time is right. They will be available to answer your questions and they will educate you as you progress through your search. The best Realtor® will make sure you are informed every step of the way and foster a relationship that will make you a client for life.
Select A Knowledgeable, Experienced Agent
Your chosen Realtor® should have outstanding market knowledge and understand trends and factors that affect your purchase price today and your ability to sell in the future. They should understand the financial considerations of home ownership and be able to provide you with thoughtful advice when discussing financing and affordability. They should have considerable insight into the dynamics, demographics, and amenities that make each neighbourhood unique and help you choose a community that supports your lifestyle and optimizes your investment as you explore homes for sale. They should have bought and sold homes just like those you are considering so they can advise you on common challenges and benefits you will need to consider.
Opt For A Realtor® Who Is Well Connected
A Realtor® who has worked within your city for a significant amount of time will have cultivated a network of buyers and sellers, industry players, lenders, lawyers, contractors, designers, appraisers, inspectors and more. A well-connected real estate agent will offer you the opportunity to leverage these connections and elevate your home buying experience. From getting pre-qualified and approved for a mortgage and ensuring your home is free of costly undetected disrepairs, to helping you plan for renovations and create the home of your dreams, these trusted connections fostered by your realtor can help make your first home purchase as seamless as possible.
And here is a bonus tip… consider choosing to work with a real estate team for your first home purchase. You will have access to a group of dedicated professionals who will each bring their own specializations to your experience and the team model ensures that you will have greater access to a knowledgeable partner whenever you need advice or guidance.
A Team Of Calgary Realtors® For First Time Buyers
Get it right the first time as you navigate this significant milestone. Choose the right partner as you determine the best community for you (suburban or inner city), explore the homes for sale in Calgary, and negotiate what is likely your largest purchase to date. The Tanya Eklund Group has the skill and experience to thoughtfully guide you through this process and help you understand the most important considerations along the way. Our team of Calgary Realtors® can educate you with a comprehensive understanding of the unique communities, demographics, opportunities, and challenges of buying in the inner city or the more suburban areas. Connect with us to begin your journey. We don’t want to sell you a house… we want to help you find your perfect home!
FAQs
Q: What costs will I incur as a first time home buyer?
A: There is no cost to use a Realtor® when you purchase a home, as your real estate agent is paid by the seller. But there are costs you will incur outside of your purchase price. Here are some:
- Home Inspection: $500-$600
- Condominium Document Review: $500-$600
- Legal Fees: $1000+
Q: Do I need to be pre-approved for a mortgage before looking at homes?
A: You should at least be pre-qualified by a lender before beginning to look for your first home. This will help you understand how much you can afford and what price range you should be looking in. Once you have found a home and want to make an offer you will need to be pre-approved so you can remove a financing condition quickly and not delay negotiations.
Q: I feel like I don’t know anything about buying a home. Where do I start?
A: Connect with us. We can meet and discuss your timelines, your budget, your lifestyle, your goals and come up with a strategy to help you find the perfect home for your first house purchase.
