5 First Time Home Buying Tips

5 First Time Home Buying Tips: Your Guide to a Smooth Home Purchase Journey

Are you a first-time homebuyer feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of buying your first home? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! We’ve put together a handy guide with 5 first time home buying tips to help you navigate the home buying process with confidence. 

Whether you’re searching for your dream home or preparing to make an offer, these tips will set you on the path to success.

 

      1. Get Your Finances in Order:
        Before you start shopping for homes, it’s crucial to get your finances in order. Take a close look at your budget, savings, and credit score. Consider meeting with a mortgage lender to get pre-approved for a loan. This will give you a clear idea of how much you can afford to spend on a home and will make you a more attractive buyer to sellers.

      1. Research the Market:
        Take the time to research the real estate market in your desired area. Look at recent sales data, trends, and property values. This will help you understand what to expect in terms of pricing and competition. Keep an eye out for up-and-coming neighborhoods or areas with good schools and amenities.

      1. Make a Wish List:
        Before you start touring homes, make a list of your must-haves and nice-to-haves. Think about the size, location, and features you want in a home. Be realistic about what you can afford and prioritize your needs accordingly. This will help you narrow down your search and focus on homes that meet your criteria.

      1. Don’t Skip the Inspection:
        Once you find a home you love, don’t skip the inspection! A home inspection is a crucial step in the buying process and can uncover hidden issues that could end up costing you down the line. Hire a qualified inspector to thoroughly assess the property and provide you with a detailed report. This will give you peace of mind and ensure you’re making an informed decision.

    1. Work with a Trusted Realtor:
      Last but not least, work with a trusted Realtor who has experience working with first-time homebuyers. A knowledgeable agent will guide you through the process, answer your questions, and advocate for your best interests. They can also help you negotiate the best deal and navigate any challenges that arise along the way.
     

    Ready to take the plunge into homeownership? Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your home buying goals. And be sure to check out our other helpful resources for first-time homebuyers, including mortgage calculators, neighborhood guides, and more. 

    Your dream home is just a few steps away!

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    Jason Grentz

    Jason is an accomplished C3 Realtor who is widely recognized for his exceptional market knowledge and unwavering dedication to clients. His impressive track record of success is largely built upon positive referrals, a testament to the outstanding service he provides. Having spent most of his life in Northern Colorado, Jason is deeply passionate about helping others find their dream homes in the area he knows so well. He looks forward to working with you to make your home ownership goals a reality.
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    Floor plan scope of work

    Scope of work

    Square footage is taken from outside measurements per ANSI (American National Standards Institute) guidelines, which are the guidelines to which HUD refers. Basements are defined as any level with any amount below grade; anything below grade labels the entire level basement. Finished rooms must be to the same level of finish as the rest of the home, be accessible through a continuous finished area, and on the same heating and/or cooling system. For homes where outside measurements are inaccessible, inside measurements are used, and an addition of .5’ is added for the outside wall. In rooms with sloping ceilings, the area measured is from where the ceiling is at least 5’ high, with 50% or more of that area being at least 7’ high. In rooms that are not square or rectangular, measurements are usually taken from the longest points.


    Room sizes may be rounded to the nearest .5’. Bedrooms are measured excluding closets. 

    Kitchens are measured wall-to-wall and include the nook, if applicable. Condos: The measurement of condos is not covered under ANSI. Condos are measured from interior walls. All other rules referred to above for single-family homes are the same. Townhomes and other Attached Dwellings with a Lot and Block legal description: Attached dwellings are measured from the centerline between units. Exterior walls are measured from the exterior if accessible. If not accessible, we use inside measurements and then adjust for the width of the exterior wall. All other rules referred to above for single-family homes are the same. The square footage totals on the attached floorplan are estimations and should not be relied upon for any purpose other than marketing the property stated above. All measurements are believed to be accurate, but it is not uncommon for two professionals to come up with different figures. The floor plan is meant to show a general layout of the home and does not account for the walls’ thickness or other architectural features. 


    Outdoor areas: pens, runs, and arenas are measured to the best of our ability. This is not a survey and these areas are estimated.


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    Floor Plan Pricing

    Fee Schedule

    Total Sq. Ft.

    0 – 1,1999

    2,000 – 2,999

    3,000 – 3,999

    4,000 – 4,999

    5,000 +


    Outbuildings

    Complex Outbuildings

    Windows

    Travel Charges

    Extra Trip (due to incorrect information)

    Total Sq. Ft.

    $175

    $200

    $225

    $250

    $275 + $50/1,000 sq. ft.


    $10 each

    $20 each

    $30 each

    $0.65 per mile over 30 miles round trip

    $75

    Difficulty charge may apply for angles other than 45 or 90 degrees.

    Features included in base price

    Total square feet

    Total finished square feet finished

    Square feet w/o basement

    Basement square feet

    % of basement finished

    Per level square footage

    Stairs

    Interior dimensions

    Floor coverings

    Kitchen counters

    Appliances

    Garage dimensions

    Walls

    Doors

    Patios and decks

    Fireplaces

    Bathroom fixtures

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    Floor Plan Order Form

    Please include all floor plan and properties details in your order. If you have any questions, you can reach Jason Grentz at: