Many first time home buyers feel as though they are limited in what
they can buy because of budget restrictions. While it may be true that
you cannot afford to purchase just any home this does not mean that
you cannot and should not look for a home that fits all of your needs
and desires. In many cases; however, the number of different homes on
the market can be absolutely overwhelming, especially for new home
buyers. This is why it is extremely important to give careful
consideration to what you're looking in a home before you actually
begin looking at homes. Failing to identify your needs and narrowing
down the parameters before you begin shopping for a home can lead to
confusion and that often results in buyer' remorse. Make sure this
doesn't happen to you by taking the time to address your most
important needs and desires beforehand.

Location & Neighborhood

In many cases, as a first time homebuyer, you will need to narrow down
whether you want to live in an urban setting, the suburbs or a more
rural environment. Of course, numerous considerations go into making
this decision including proximity to work, school, entertainment,
shopping and worship centers. You should also know that while it may
be more expensive to live in urban area there are numerous advantages
associated with this type of neighborhood. Commuting time is often
less and you will generally have more options to choose from in terms
of style and floor plans. Keep in mind; however, that urban locations
are often noisier and generally come with higher crime rates.

Regardless of whether you choose to live in the city or the country
you will need to give some thought to the type of street you want to
live on as well as the types of lot that interest you. Cul de sacs
offer less traffic that busier streets and are idea locations for
families with children; however, they are also less private than
busier streets. It is also important to take into consideration the
fact that cul de sac locations are usually more expensive. Corner lots
provide you with more room to roam; however, they are also typically
noisier than other locations. Because of the vulnerable location at
the corner of the street, you may also have more problems with
trespassing.

Type of Home

After you have narrowed down the location of where you would like to
live it is time to begin giving some thought to the type of home in
which you want to live. Remember there are numerous choices and just
because you're a first time homebuyer doesn't mean you can't afford to
be somewhat choosy about the home you ultimately purchase. Single
family homes have traditionally appreciated well in the real estate
market, making them a sound investment. Of course that also means they
are more expensive. While condos and townhomes are less expensive than
single family residences they provide less privacy. It is also
important to consider the differences in maintenance between the two
options. Single family homes may give you the opportunity to have a
small garden or provide room for the kids to play outside, but that
means you have more maintenance responsibilities. While co-ops and
condos do not provide that kind of space, there are almost no exterior
maintenance requirements on your part.

Number of Stories

Always consider how many levels and stories you want in your future
home. In some cases your decision may be based on aesthetics alone;
however, medical conditions and ease of maintenance can also play into
that decision. Single story homes are much easier for wheelchair
access as well as individuals who find it difficult to climb stairs.
Homes with just one level are also much easier to clean. On the
downside, these homes are often less quiet and there can be security
issues as well. Homes with more than one story can be quieter,
particularly for the sleeping quarters; however, some people feel they
are more difficult to clean as well as to maintain even heating and
cooling.

Interior Specifications

Other factors you will want to take into consideration when narrowing
down the parameters for your first home include the number of bedrooms
and baths you need, whether you desire any bonus rooms and your need
for formal living spaces versus informal living spaces. Remember that
homes with more square footage are typically more expensive. Many
first time homebuyers make the mistake of thinking the actual square
footage of a home is one of the most important considerations. This is
actually not correct. Even a home with a lot of square footage can be
a bad buy if the lay-out is not handled well. Take the time to really
focus on the lay out the rooms in the house. If it's handled well, you
can really pack a lot into a small space without paying a lot of extra
money for additional square footage.

Also give some consideration to how much work you're willing to put
into a home. Homes that need a little TLC are often less expensive
than homes that are in pristine condition. Of course, that means you
will be responsible for handling those repairs, either yourself or
through a contractor. If you're into home improvement; however, this
can be a great way to shave a few dollars off your mortgage every
month.

When you actually begin to look at homes it is very important to
weight or rank the homes as you view them. The home buying process can
be extremely confusing as you view one home after the next. Come
prepared! Bring along a notepad and a digital camera, if at all
possible. Taking pictures of the homes you view will help you to put
things in perspective later on and you will be more likely to recall
the homes as they actually are. Take notes regarding everything,
including the homes' surroundings. After you view each home, take the
time to rate it on a scale of 1 to 10.

Remain firm and never allow yourself to be pushed or persuaded into
making a decision until you're ready. Remember to narrow down the
homes you've seen to your top choices and then look at those homes
again to be absolutely sure you haven't overlooked something that
might become a major issue later on. If you are first time home buyer
and follow this simple guidelines, you'll more likely to find your
dream home.

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