Today’s Top 5 Things is a little different than the typical “Find a photographer, get a DJ, find flowers” wedding advice you’ll find here and most other wedding advice sites. The advice we feature today is about something that usually (usually) happens after the wedding: buying your first home together! 

These Top 5 pieces of advice come from Prudential Lancaster Real Estate Agent Tom Taglieri.
 

As with all of our Top 5 contributors, Tom is a close friend of ProVolve Entertainment – he sold Eric and his family their first home last April. Tom was great through the entire process and the advice contained in this blog post is just the tip of the iceberg with his knowledge and expertise. 

So let’s get into Tom Taglieri’s Top 5 Things: buying your first home!

1.  Get Pre-approved for a Loan
Obtain a copy of your credit report and your FICA score, and if necessary, do what you need to do to improve it. The higher your FICA score, the better your interest rate. You can get this information online, or I can help you. Contact several lenders, and determine which one will give you the best deal.

2.  With Your Agent, Begin Seriously Looking at Homes
I can compile a list of homes based on your criteria, or show you any homes you might have already found, including any that might have just been placed on the market. Look at homes with a critical eye – does the floor plan work for you? Is the property in good condition? Would it be right for your lifestyle? In short, can you imagine yourself and your family living there? Take notes at each home you visit. What are your likes and dislikes? Narrow down your choices; revisit homes in which you’re interested. See them at different times of the day.

3.  Make an Offer
When you’ve identified the home you want to buy, be ready to help your agent prepare a written offer quickly. Your agent will be familiar with market values and will help you arrive at a price that gives your offer the best chance of being accepted. At this stage, try not to become emotionally attached to a home. Your offer may not be accepted for any number of reasons. Have backup homes in mind. Be prepared to negotiate through your agent with the sellers.

4.  Once Your Offer Is Accepted
Once your offer is accepted, you’ll be asked to submit an earnest money deposit that usually isn’t refundable. Begin making moving arrangements. Select a mover, obtain change-of-address cards, and inform friends and relatives. Have the property professionally inspected, and if necessary, request repairs. Obtain homeowner’s insurance. Contact the local utility companies (phone, water, electricity, etc… A few days before closing, stage a walk through. Also, you will want to obtain a cashier’s check for the down payment, as well as for any closing costs.

5.  At Closing
Make sure the terms and conditions of the loan statement are correct – Carefully read everything before you sign ENJOY YOUR NEW HOME!

Tom Taglieri of Prudential Lancaster Real Estate has been a life long resident of Lancaster, PA. If you or someone you know is interested in getting to know Lancaster, PA, have them call 475-5079 or email tomtaglieri@comcast.net

He takes pride in serving others and helping their dream of home ownership happen, right here in good ‘ol Lancaster, PA. Find Tom on Facebook! To see Tom’s current listings, click here. 

Join us every Friday for the Top 5 Things!