Things to Consider When Buying Your First Home

Buying your first home is an exciting and daunting experience. It can be overwhelming to navigate the home buying process, especially if you're not familiar with the housing market. To help you make the right decision, here are some things to consider when buying your first home:

1. Your budget: Before you start looking for a home, it's important to determine how much you can afford. This will help you narrow down your search and avoid disappointment later. You can use a mortgage calculator to estimate how much you can afford and to get an idea of your monthly payments. As a rule of thumb, we like to recommend keeping your mortgage around 25% of your gross monthly income.
2. Your priorities: You should think about your priorities and what you want in a home. Do you want a big backyard or a modern kitchen? Do you need a home office or extra storage space? How many bedrooms will you need for additional family members or future children? Knowing what you want can help you focus your search and find a home that fits your needs.
3. Location: The location of your home is crucial. It can affect your daily routine, commute time, and access to amenities like schools, shops, and parks. Consider what type of neighborhood you want to live in and what kind of lifestyle you want to lead.
4. Home condition: It's important to inspect the condition of the home before you buy it. Look for any signs of damage or wear and tear, and ask the seller for any relevant documentation like a home inspection report or repair history. Even if you buy a new construction home, always do an inspection!
5. Homeownership costs: Buying a home comes with additional costs beyond the purchase price. You'll need to budget for closing costs, property taxes, homeowners insurance, and maintenance expenses. Make sure you can afford these additional costs before you buy a home.
6. Homeowner association (HOA) fees: If you're considering a home that's part of a homeowner association, make sure you understand the fees and rules associated with it. HOA fees can vary greatly and can have a significant impact on your budget.
7. Resale value: While you may plan to stay in your home for a long time, it's important to consider its resale value. You want to make sure that you're buying a home that will appreciate in value over time and that will be attractive to future buyers.
8. Real estate agent: Finally, consider working with a real estate agent. They can help you navigate the home buying process, provide valuable insights and advice, and negotiate on your behalf.

While buying your first home can be a daunting experience, it’s more exciting than anything else! By considering these factors, you can make a more informed decision and find a home that fits your needs and budget. Best of luck and let us know if there’s anything else we can help you with!

Any opinions are those of Adams Wealth Partners and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James.  The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation.  Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected.