Apr. 27, 2012
When people hear that my fiancé and I are looking to buy our first house, they frequently offer lessons learned from their own experiences … though they can sometimes contradict.
“Remember, it’s just a business decision. Don’t let emotions get involved.”
“Find one you’re in love with, because you’ll be there for a few years.”
“Get something small … it’s just your first house.”
“Look for extra bedrooms. You’ll want something that has room to grow into.”
While the people in your life certainly mean well, what worked for them may not work for you. Unless they are looking in the same market, at the same time, and with the same budget, anything more than general advice may not apply to your situation.
One thing I’ve found that everyone does agree on is to work with a Texas REALTOR®. If anyone knows the market and understands my needs best, it’s him. One memorable piece of advice he gave me can be summarized as, “Remember that this isn’t the house of your dreams, but it’s the house that will get you to the house of your dreams.”
The best impartial advice you can get will come from your Texas REALTOR®. He understands the local market and is working on your behalf to find the home that fits your needs, wants, and budget. You may not feel comfortable discussing your finances or concerns with friends, family members, or coworkers, but you can be assured that your Texas REALTOR® has worked with a variety of people who have the same goal in mind: homeownership.
Which leads to me to my advice for other first-timers: Be prepared to receive input and to give updates. Because even though this is your home, the people around you will be excited to share in the experience.
