Helena Talbot’s blog – Advice For The First Time Buyer

First time home buyers, the majority of which are young people, don't always properly prepare for their first home purchase.  Perhaps because they are so busy with other things such as school or some other type of activity.  Or perhaps it is because they just don't know exactly what they should be doing to make sure they are prepared for their first major purchase.

Let's go over a few of the things a first time home buyer must do to prepare for their first home purchase.

1.  Develop good buying habits to obtain and keep a satisfactory credit history.  Use your credit cards responsibly.  Buy a vehicle and make your payments on time.   If you are renting an apartment, make sure your name is on the lease and make sure that the utility bills include your name on them as well.  You must pay all of your bills on time!  You must live within your means!

2.  Start saving now for the down payment on your house.  Open an investment account and make deposits to that account on a regular basis.

3.  Educate yourself about financial management and develop a long term financial plan for yourself.  Educate yourself about everything that is involved in buying a home.  Talk to a realtor about your future plans and ask them for their advice about buying your first home.  Develop a budget and stick to it.

4.  Start thinking about where you want to live.  You are not limited to your home town.  The possibilities are endless.  So do some research and find the place that is right for you.  Try searching the internet and the library is another wonderful resource to learn about housing opportunities around the country.

5.  Talk to a real estate agent.  Discuss with them where you would like to live and ask them if they have any information for that area so you can familiarize yourself beforehand.  This will help you know the cost of living and any other expenses involved with home ownership for any given area.  You will first need to know how much you can afford.  You will then be able to determine how much money you will need to save to buy your first home.  

Remember, if you have a question, just ask.  Your real estate agent is there to help you and will do everything in their power to make sure that you have everything you need to make a solid educated decision about your first home purchase.  

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

I have over 25 years experience in the real estate industry.  As a Broker/Owner with Exit Realty Talbot and Company, I bring special tools and solutions that enable me to exceed the expectations of my clientele.  If you are considering listing your property in Loudoun County or the nearby areas, ask me about our latest internet marketing systems.  I would appreciate the opportunity to earn your business.  

I am experienced in listing and selling short sales.  For information on the short sale process, please visit  www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

My past awards and designations include – 2003 President of the Dulles Association of Realtors, 2003 Dulles Area Assoc Realtor of the Year, Salesperson of the year 2000 Dulles Area Assoc of Realtors,  Top Producer awards from both the Dulles Area Association and the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors.  I am a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network.

I have lived in Loudoun County since 1979.  I am married with two grown children and two grandchildren.  My son in law is my business partner in real estate.  I love to jog in the mornings and spend time relaxing on my Trawler during the summer months.

Loudoun County and Northern Virginia Real Estate Sales and Solutions – Helena Talbot, Broker. I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in the Northern Virginia area to include Loudoun County and surrounding areas including Fairfax, Clarke, Fauquier, Prince William  Counties.  Our local neighborhoods includeLeesburg, Ashburn, Sterling, Potomac Falls, Brambleton, Broadlands, Lansdowne, River Creek, Belmont Country Club, Beacon Hill, Shenstone, Waterford, Lovettsville, Purcellville, Hamilton, Round Hill and Bluemont.                        Cell 703.727.9885    Office 703.574.3800

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate.  2 easy ways to get the App:  Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.