First Time Home Buyer Tips: Finding a Home with a Monroe County Realtor

There really is no great secret to finding a home. Though there are countless theories and techniques, finding a house comes down to perseverance and luck. You must be willing to work at putting yourself in the right place at the right time to find your dream home.

Start by looking at your budget to determine how much you are able to pay for a home. Consider your needs and your desired criteria for a home; number of bedrooms, basement or crawl, garage or shed, lot size, neighborhood, etc…

Do some preliminary research on your own; look at listings in the news paper or check the internet to get an idea of what is available and how much the asking prices are for homes that fit your criteria. Just look; do not call the number listed in the ad! When you are ready to see homes you will want to work with a real estate agent who will represent you to see that you are getting the best deal possible.

There are several reasons you should work with a realtor, including saving time and having a professional handle the paperwork. An agent who is familiar with the area you are looking in will be most helpful in finding a home that meets your desired criteria and fits your budget.

Some people feel that the most cost-effective method is to do it themselves. There are data bases containing real estate listings with public records data, area information, interactive maps and other details. Most of these data bases require a license and a membership fee to access the listings. Some are available to the public for no charge, but you must supply your personal contact information and email address for access.

There are specialized services to accommodate the do-it-yourself home buyer, but this is only recommended for experienced buyers. A first-time home buyer should work with a realtor.

Mark Goedert of Goedert Real Estate has been working with home buyers and real estate investors for over 50 years. He provides detailed property listings with search tools, a mortgage calculator, and a wealth of information and tips for buyers and sellers. Mark’s information is available to the public; no fees or membership requirements.

Mark Goedert serves clients in the Down River area, Calhoun, Hillsdale, Ingham, Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Washtenaw, Wayne and South Eastern Michigan Cities and Counties.