First-Time Home Buying Guide - Your Path to Home Ownership

We know purchasing a home can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve never done it before. The Matt Smith Team has put together some useful information to get you started. We are here to make the process go as easily and smooth as possible. One step at a time you will be closer to owning your own home! We look forward to the possibility of working with you and can’t wait to meet you!


Below is a general guide to purchasing your first home. For more in depth details, check out this First Time Home Buyers Guide.

Home Buying Timeline

WHERE DO I START?

  • Let’s Chat: First things first. What are your goals in owning a home? What areas do you want to live in? What price range are you thinking? Not sure about any of it? We can chat! Just give us a call, text us, emails us, whatever works. The first step is getting the conversation started.

  • Let’s get you pre-approved: The next step is to get you an appointment/call with a local lender. We work with several lenders who specialize in first time home buying and would love to introduce you to them. Even if you aren’t ready to start your home search right away, meeting with a lender early to make sure your credit is where it needs to be, and getting a pre-approval amount can put your mind at ease. Your lender will help determine the price of home you can afford as well as help you figure out if you need a down payment, and what your monthly mortgage would be. Email, text, or give us a call, Let us know you are looking to get pre approved for a home and that you are a first time home buyer. We will connect you with a recommended lender! It’s that easy!

  • Let’s start looking at homes: Once we have a pre-approval letter from your lender, we are able to start showing you homes! Once we find one you love and want to purchase, we are ready to make an offer!

WATCH OUR FIRST TIME HOME BUYING SERIES

WHAT’S NEXT?

  • Once you have made an offer on a home, we will wait to see if the offer is accepted. This is usually done within the day, but could take a couple days depending on the seller. Once you get an accepted offer, we will send some papers for you to sign via email.

  • We will also send you some information on the next steps. While it all seems overwhelming, taking it one step at a time with help from The Matt Smith Team, you will be in good hands. We’ve been doing this for over 30 years and are confident that we can provide you with the best knowledge and customer service there is.

Please feel free to reach out anytime. We’re happy to answer any questions you might have, or help walk you through the process. We can’t wait to meet you!

Before you move into your new house, you will want to set up utilities in your name. This should be done within one week before closing day.