3 Things First-Time Buyers Need to Know

House-hunting is a big deal – so here’s what you need to know if it’s your first time diving into the real estate market in Lake City.

First things first: Working with a Lake City Realtor(R) can help you tremendously. Your agent will walk you through every step of the process, from starting your search to walking with you into your new home.

With that said, here are three things first-time buyers need to know:

How much home can you afford?
What are your must-haves?
How quickly can you act?

How Much Home Can You Afford?

The best way to figure out how much you can afford is to look at your current expenses and see how a mortgage payment would fit in. Typically, to get a mortgage, you should spend less than 36 percent of your gross income on debts, with less than 28 percent of that going to housing and housing-related costs.

It’s important that you talk to a lender and get mortgage preapproval before you start your search. That way, you can look at homes for sale in your price range.

Find Homes for Sale in Lake City Now

What Are Your Must-Haves?

When you buy a home, you’ll likely own it for a while – and that means you need to have a clear picture of the things you must have to stay comfortable in it. Don’t plan for tomorrow, though – plan for five or ten years down the road. How many family members will live in the home with you? Will you need space for pets outside? Do you plan to start an equestrian ranch? These are all questions to ask yourself (well, your future self) before you start searching.

How Quickly Can You Act?

When you find a home you love, you have to be prepared to pounce. The real estate market moves quickly, and if you sit on an idea too long, you risk missing out – someone else could swoop in and make an offer while you’re “sleeping on it.”

Are You Selling or Buying a Home for Sale in Lake City?

If you’re selling a home in Lake City, we’re the local experts. We know how to market your home aggressively and bring in qualified buyers, and we’d love to help you sell quickly and at the right price.

If you’re moving to Lake City, we can help you find the perfect place to live. Call us at 386-243-0124 to tell us what you want from your home and we will begin searching right away.

In the meantime, check out the most popular Lake City home searches by exploring the links below.