First-Time or Seasoned Buyer? These Home Buying Tips Will Help You Win

Learn how to choose the best real estate agent, compare lenders, get financing, and make confident home buying decisions. These 5 essential tips work for first-time and repeat buyers alike.

If your goal is to buy a home, whether that’s now or within the next couple of years I highly recommend connecting with a real estate agent (like myself) to get the ball rolling early. Even if you don’t have a perfect credit score or a large down payment saved yet, an experienced agent can guide you through the process, help you create a plan, and connect you with trusted lenders who understand your unique circumstances. I work with lenders who can assist you in improving your credit score over time and others who offer valuable down payment assistance programs, resources that can make a big difference when the time comes to buy.

Here are my top tips for homebuyers, whether you're purchasing your first home or your fifth:

1. Partner with a trustworthy real estate agent.

It’s perfectly normal and smart to interview multiple real estate agents until you find one you feel comfortable with. This is one of the biggest financial decisions of your life, and your agent should be someone you trust and feel confident working with.

Here’s what to look for:

• Communication: Pay close attention to how quickly and clearly they respond to your questions. Prompt and transparent communication is essential throughout the buying process.

• Knowledge of the market: Ask them about current market conditions and recent sales in the area you're interested in. A good agent should be able to explain trends, pricing, and neighborhood insights without constantly needing to "look it up."

• Attention to detail: During showings, does the agent point out things you might not notice like water stains, outdated electrical panels, or signs of foundation issues? Their observations can protect you from costly surprises later.

• Patience and demeanor: Are they patient when answering your questions or do they seem rushed and pushy? If an agent pressures you early on, that behavior is unlikely to improve later.

• Availability: Ask about their typical availability, especially on evenings and weekends when you might want to view homes or make offers. You’ll want an agent who can work with your schedule.

• Experience with negotiations: Ask how they would handle a bidding war or negotiate on your behalf in a competitive market. Their strategy can be crucial in helping you win the right home.

2. Choose the right lender.

Most real estate agents (myself included) can recommend lenders we trust, but you are always welcome to shop around and select your own. Choosing the right lender is just as important as choosing the right agent. Different lenders offer different loan products and fee structures, so it pays to compare. Some lenders specialize in programs that can benefit homebuyers like:

• MSHDA loans (Michigan State Housing Development Authority, offering down payment assistance)

• 1% down payment loans

• USDA Rural Development loans (for eligible rural and suburban areas with low or no down payment)

• FHA, VA, and Conventional loans (each with unique advantages)

In addition to loan options, pay close attention to the fees lenders charge to process your loan (commonly known as lender fees, origination fees, or closing costs). These can vary significantly.

Here’s what to look for in a loan officer/lender:

• Communication: How quickly do they respond to your calls, emails, or texts? Reliable communication is key during the loan process, especially as deadlines approach.

• Availability: Do they work evenings or weekends? Many crucial decisions (like submitting a pre-approval letter for an offer) happen outside of 9-to-5 hours.

• Patience and clarity: The financial side of buying a home can feel intimidating and overwhelming, especially for first-time buyers. You want a lender who takes the time to clearly explain loan terms, fees, interest rates, and timelines without rushing you.

In short, your lender should make you feel confident and informed every step of the way. Don’t hesitate to interview a few lenders and compare both their products and their customer service before making a decision.

3. Understand your financing options early.

Even before you’re ready to make an offer, it’s important to speak with a lender to understand what you can afford and get pre-approved. Pre-approval not only strengthens your offers but also gives you a clear idea of your budget. Be sure to ask about:

• First-time homebuyer programs

• Down payment assistance

• Grants and tax credits

• Different loan types (FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional, etc.)

A good lender, just like a good agent should explain these clearly and help you choose what’s best for your situation.

4. Be realistic about your wants and needs.

Create a list of your "must-haves" and your "nice-to-haves." This helps you stay focused and make faster, more confident decisions as you tour homes. Consider factors like:

• School districts

• Commute times

• Neighborhood safety

• Home layout and size

• Future resale value

5. Get a home inspection, always.

Even if the home looks perfect, a professional home inspection can reveal hidden issues. An inspection protects you from costly repairs down the road and can sometimes give you leverage in negotiations.

Buying a home is an exciting journey, and having the right team by your side can make all the difference. If you’re thinking about buying whether soon, or in a few years feel free to reach out. I’d be happy to answer your questions and help you start preparing for a successful home purchase.