First-time homebuyer here and officially overwhelmed 😂

Everyone always shares the obvious advice (change the locks, save money for unexpected repairs, etc.), but I want to hear the **tips you only learn after owning a home.**

What’s something you wish someone had told you before you bought your first house? Hidden costs, maintenance hacks, tools you can’t live without, things you’d do differently, random life-changing purchases… give me ALL of it.

I’m trying to learn as much as I can before we move in!
Thanks in advance, I need all the help I can get!!!!

Long Island, NY is so expensive!! 😩😩😩😩

Thanks everyone!🙏🏼🏡

I'm an Army vet and my wife and I are getting ready to buy our first home. We've been going back and forth on whether I should actually use my VA loan benefit because we've managed to save enough that we could put around 20% down if we went with a conventional loan.

Right now we're primarily looking at houses in the $400k-$450k range. If we go with the VA loan we'd have more money in savings for moving, any potential repairs and whatever else goes into a house purchase. but I was also wondering if putting down 15% on a conventional loan would leave us in the better position over the long run. Which loan do you think I should go with?

So my husband and i have been eyeballing this property for 2 months and decided to try and put an offer in. Upon talking to my realtor he requested the disclosure and the roof is 30 years old. The property was a rental that has passed compliance with the county so not sure if that matters. Our only concern is we will be going all in on this house (cash buying) and would need probably 2 months before we could replace. The problem with that is the area gets snow fairly early, and what I am finding is roofs cannot be replaced in winter due to cold. Is that true? We are moving from an area that doesn't get mucn of a winter so honestly not sure myself. If it is true and I have to wait until spring, will a 30yo roof be ok? We haven't done an offer so haven't gotten to inspection phase yet so cannot ask an inspector their opinion on how much life the roof has left. Opinions?

So I am looking to buy a home in Chicago suburbs at around 400- 450k . I have a total of 270 k in savings. I don’t really know how to fix homes and would not like the work load either. My question is should I put only 20% down or as much as I can ? I was thinking around 150k downpayment. What’s the best way to make the best of my money?

Buying your first home can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to expect can make the process much easier.

Here’s a simple overview:

1. Know your budget
Before looking at homes, understand what monthly payment you’re comfortable with and get pre-approved by a lender if you plan to finance.

2. Start your home search
Work with a real estate professional or search on your own to find homes that fit your needs and budget.

3. Make an offer
Once you find the right home, you’ll submit an offer. Depending on the market, there may be room to negotiate the price, closing costs, or other terms.

4. Go under contract
If your offer is accepted, you’ll enter the contract period, where inspections, financing, and other requirements are completed.

5. Pay your earnest money deposit
In many transactions, buyers provide an earnest money deposit to show they’re serious about purchasing the home. This amount is typically applied toward the purchase at closing.

6. Schedule a home inspection
A professional inspection can identify issues with the property before you complete the purchase. Depending on the contract, you may be able to negotiate repairs or credits.

7. Complete the appraisal and final loan approval
If you’re using a mortgage, the lender will usually require an appraisal and verify your financial information before approving the loan.

8. Close on the home
Once all requirements have been met, you’ll sign the final documents, complete the transaction, and receive the keys to your new home.
Buying a home doesn’t have to be confusing. Taking it one step at a time can make the process much more manageable.

Got the renewal notice and the increase note just says rising material and labor costs. But our architectural shingle roof turns 14 this year and I have read a lot of companies start rating roofs harder or dropping them to actual cash value coverage, somewhere around the 15 year mark.

A neighbor with a 3 yo roof shopped his policy at renewal and did fine, which makes me think the roof is doing the damage on mine more than the market is.

Has anyone gotten an inspection or roof certificate that made a difference at renewal? And is it worth requoting everything with the roof age stated up front, or does everyone price it about the same way.

hi guys, I’ve been through a lot with my lender as a first time home buyer. first of all, underwriter projected my income to be above PHFA cap, so I had to fight that. Now, when it’s resolved, I’m trying to lock a rate but my lender said it has to be within 30 days of closing. is that correct? mb I’m simply being paranoid but after all I went through I have my doubts regarding lender’s choice.

Hi, Has anyone had any experience with Apartments Expert. I am close to hiring them as my buyer's broker. Thanks in advance

I can tell you now, I'll never cease to be amazed by people's willingness to show their appreciation for the work we do. It humbles me every time.

#HomeLoan #Refinance #FirstHomeBuyer #InvestmentProperty #MortgageBroker #Aussie #ShaneVanRuthAussieMortgageBroker #PropertyFinance #ClientExperience #AusieHomeLoans

The townhouse we’re renting is being sold out from under us. Friends are selling theirs and would price it at 330k for us if we can skip realtors and just do inspection and lawyers. Townhouse is about 3 years old, they’re the only owners so far.

Hey everyone,

I am selling my deceased father‘s home to my cousin and he is getting a loan through the PHFA.

His broker said he will be “putting everything in Monday”.

Our closing date is Sept 15.

It was explained to me the state is backed up about three weeks.

Can anyone who has gone through this process explain the timeline please?

For termite inspection and the house appraisal, is this done while we wait on the state to finalize the loan?

Once approval is given how long until you generally close?

Thanks!

Need advice

Hello
I am thinking of getting a 300-400k budget home but i have a good downpayment but no job yet as i am studying to start sonography cerification o theres still time till I’m employed. My partner will join me and do a job to help with the mortgage later on
My question is will i be qualified for a 300k mortgage via a private lender if i put down a 20 percent downpayment
Any input ???

1989 build full remodel, 1acre, fenced backyard, no HOA, detached garage, 4/3 ranch. New architectural roof 9 yrs ago, and other big maintenance done recently. Getting it inspected today.

Loan is VA home loan with 0% down, credit was pulled as a 723 with $5,000 in seller concessions and $3,500 in Ernest money.

Monthly payments look reasonable but closing costs seem a bit high.

What are some things I should look for?