So with the big $8,000 tax credit that is available for first time homebuyers, it seems we are working with a great group of new buyers. But with that comes a big learning curve, as most don’t understand the process to purchasing a home in the Grand Rapids area.

I thought this is as good of a place as any to help educate on the process to searching, viewing, making an offer, negotiating, inspection, and getting the home to close for you to move into.

So first to the search and our first meeting-

Most often the search starts at GRAR.COM, which stands for Grand Rapids Association of Realtors.  This website has every realtors listings and the search can be customized to exactly what you are looking for.  This website is helpful if you have been looking for a couple weeks or months trying to understand what kind of homes are on the market and at what cost. Once you have decided your general price range, it might be a good idea to go take a look through a couple open houses before calling a Realtor to help you through the process.

That’s where I jump! Most often we meet at a home or two that you have already found, or we meet at my office. This will give us some time to review the process of buying your first home and deciding on a general area where you would like to live.

From that information I can then set up a location search for you on GRAR.com that will email each day with the new listings, price changes and added photos to homes in the area you would like to live.

I also give you some homework.  If you have not done so already, call and make sure you can get a loan for the desired price range you are looking in. Make sure the monthly cost meets your budget. There are many different loans from FHA to Conventional. Depending on your down payment and home you are interested in might mean what kind of loan is best for you. See my top picks for lenders for help in choosing whom to speak with.

Next blog we will start the hunt for the perfect home.

See other first time homebuyer blogs for more information.

Feel free to contact us for more information.