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By Bryton Wilson - Century 21

First-Time Home Buyer? Read This!

Jul 19, 2021 | 3:00 AM

Wow, they let me back for a second month! Someone must have learned something from my article in June, if you haven’t read it, go learn about Medicine Hat’s current real estate market. This month, I’m hoping to sprinkle some seeds of knowledge to the first-time home buyers, and even if you have bought and sold multiple homes, you may learn something too!

There is a lot that falls under the umbrella of purchasing a home. It can be overwhelming and to some even scary trying to navigate the waves of buying a home for the first time. Before I became a real estate agent, I went through the process with my wife. It was a lot, between finding homes we wanted to look at, searching for an agent that fit with our personalities, and asking around to find a mortgage broker that gave us the rates and information we needed to get approved to actually buy a house. This was all before we even stepped foot in a house to look at it.

So, here is the beginning of an easy step-by-step list of what you should do as soon as you start thinking about buying a home!

1) Talk with a Mortgage Broker / Bank

Easy first step. I’m going to be upfront, mortgages are not my specialty. I always direct my friends and clients to the professionals. The one thing I always advise those I’m working with to do is to talk about a pre-approval with a mortgage professional first. This will let you know your price range and what you will need to have saved for a down payment!

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 13-15

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IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

Dec 12, 2024

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

PS: Check out my fellow Pro Kristi Sauter’s blogs for extra information on everything mortgages!

2) Find a Realtor

Google, Facebook, Instagram. Look at their reviews, check out their social media channels and you can get a good idea if it is someone you want to work with during one of the largest purchases of your life. Trust and communication are huge, and if you do your research beforehand you be more confident starting your relationship with them, making everything moving forward so much easier. Ask to be set up on an automated email, chat with your agent about what you’re looking for, and then take your time checking out listings. You can easily organize and mark off potential homes through these emails, keeping everything in one easy-to-access spot. Then you’re ready to go look at homes, and when you find the one you will begin the writing offer portion of the process.

Check out my August blog that will go over what your next steps are once you get an accepted offer, including more information on home inspections, deposits and some little things you can do to make possession day a breeze! Also, follow my social media channels for an awesome Home-Buyer Information night featuring industry professionals giving you the tips you need before you get started on your home buying journey. More info coming soon, enjoy your July!