Patricia Paul Properties

First, start saving now for your down payment.  Put aside money each pay period for this purpose.  If you are able to do an automatic savings through payroll deduction, I recommend you do so.   Do not, I repeat, do not, touch these funds for any purpose other than buying the home of your dreams. 

Check your credit record.  You are entitled to one free copy each year of your report.   There are three major credit reporting agencies, and you should check your report with each of them.  There are often mistakes or items on a credit report that require clearing up.  If you have negative items on your credit report that are unfortunately accurate, formulate a plan for paying them off and clearing them too.

Talk to a lender to get prequalified.  Find out in what price range you should be looking for a home.   They may also be able to help you in improving your credit scores and resolving credit issues.

Do some research.  Get a feel for what's out there.  Check computer websites, go to open houses, look in the newspapers, etc.

Find a great REALTOR to work with you.  It doesn't cost you to use a realtor; the seller actually pays the commissions.  REALTORS have professional knowledge about the processes, the neighborhoods, the homes, what to look out for,  great resources and systems available to lead you in the search for that perfect home!  (Hint, hint:  Yours truly is an award winning realtor who would love to guide you through the process and work with you!)

And of course, you have been diligently saving money all this time for your down payment, so you should be just about ready to begin the search in earnest.   Take a notebook around with you when you're looking at houses.  You want to keep them all straight.  Try not to see so many homes in one day that you're overwhelmed.    Remember, it should be a fun experience for you.

Happy house hunting!

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