You’re ready to own your own home. Now what?

First, let’s make sure you have all of your ducks in a row. Home ownership is a pivotal moment for many. It’s the culmination of years of hard work. A total game changer! It is an investment in your future. You’ve decided how you want to live and are going after it. You’re building equity while having the freedom of being your own landlord. Whatever your reason for deciding to become a homeowner, it is important to make sure you are ready for the responsibility -- both financially and mentally.

You should feel secure in your decision. Besides having a down payment, you’ll be responsible for your monthly mortgage payment, taxes, insurance and home maintenance. Taking critical stock of your finances and expectations ahead of the buying experience can take a lot of the stress and anxiety out of the process. And we want to make sure you enjoy your home shopping experience from start to finish. That’s why we are here.

Deciding how you want to live

You’ve decided renting isn’t for you. So the next step is deciding what you want out of your home.

Perhaps you’re set on a single family house. What’s important to you? What’s on your wishlist? Do you want something that is move-in ready or are you open to renovations that would customize the space? Maybe you a small business owner who wants extra space that can also work for your company?

Are you looking to get out of renting but still want freedom and great amenities like a pool or a rooftop deck for parties? Do you want to cut out all maintenance or do you still want some control of what you are allowed to do to your property? Is access to the outdoors -- like a balcony or a yard -- important to you?

What does your ideal neighborhood look like? Do you want a restaurant or a park in walking distance? Or are you someone who is looking for an easy commute or access to public transportation? Are school districts a priority to you? Do you want to be close to your family?

These are important questions to think about before you begin your home search. And it is possible that your answers might change once you start touring some homes. It’s our role to help you sort it all out so you find a home that compliments the life you want to live.

Are you ready to buy?

Owning a home is more than just what you see on HGTV. Sure, it means you can paint your walls whatever color you want. But it also means you are responsible for repainting them after you decide that bold yellow was just a little too bold.

You are responsible for maintaining your home. That maintenance not only requires money but it also requires time. Remember, it is your biggest investment and if you ever grow out of your home, you want someone else to love it as much as you do.

How much can you afford?

“You don’t want to be house poor!”

We’ve all heard that one before. And it is an important rule to think about. Sacrificing a huge part of your income to pay your mortgage can quickly make home ownership more of a burden rather than a point of pride. So to make sure you don’t end up regretting your decision, there are a couple easy rules to follow when deciding how much you can afford to spend on your home.

You’ve decided you are ready to buy. Now what?

It’s time to hire an agent. And you’re in luck. That’s where our expertise comes in.

You’ll need to find a real estate agent that will not only work hard for you but will also keep your budget and wish list in mind when looking for potential properties. Our agents will walk you through every step -- from the negotiations to the home inspection to the closing date. Our priority is making sure you are informed and comfortable every step of the way.

Interested in learning more? Join us for a free workshop at our Cathedral Hill office or schedule a one-on-one meeting with one of our agents.