First Time Women Homebuyers: Turn a Scary Task into a Simple One
 As kids our fears were simple. A monster under the bed. The creaking stairs in your parents’ house. The dark, cob-web-filled basement. Each could be put aside with a little courage and a good flashlight.
While for most women those fears are distant memories, they’ve been replaced by new far more complicated concerns like: “How do I go about buying my first home?”
For most women, owning a home makes a lot of financial sense. Still, becoming a first-time homeowner is a huge step and the process is typically filled with more questions than an episode of “Jeopardy.” Fortunately, by following a few easy steps, women looking to buy their first homes can turn a scary task into a relatively simple one.
Use your head, not your heart – Purchasing your first home is inevitably an emotional event in your life, and it is a good idea to enjoy the process as much as possible. Still, when you’re looking at homes and considering price ranges, make sure your calculated side is calling the shots. For instance, aesthetic appeal is an important consideration for a home, but make sure the less exciting aspects of the home (like the structure, the foundation and other non-cosmetic concerns) are beautiful as well. Not many of us know how to accurately assess such areas, so hiring a home inspector is a must. You’ll likely be spending good money on a home, make sure your heart and your head agree you’ve picked the right one.
Make sure your finances are in good shape – Trying to buy a home while in bad financial shape is like trying to run a marathon without training beforehand. Bad things are bound to happen. Get a credit report and correct any errors (they are common) while cleaning up what you can. Doing what you can to improve your credit scores will pay considerable dividends when talking to loan officers.
Find a mortgage that works for you – Today’s mortgage options offer a variety of lending possibilities – even for first-timers with limited budgets. With so many options the right mortgage for your situation is likely out there, but be careful while looking for it. There are scores of lenders out there offering mortgages that sound – and are – too good to be true. The best bet is to talk to your Realtor and ask her or him to help you find a trustworthy mortgage broker. This will help ensure your loan payments are manageable while also offering you long-term stability and a healthy return on your investment.
Know your surroundings – You’ve found a home that has large bedrooms, a beautiful kitchen and was well built. That’s a great start, but it’s not time to ask your Realtor to make an offer yet. First, get to know the neighborhood and the surrounding areas. If you have or are planning to start a family, what are the schools like? Is there much crime in the area? What is the home’s proximity to parks, restaurants, shopping or any other amenities that are important to you? These are the questions that can help ensure your home-owning experience is a great one.
Rely on your Realtor – When in doubt, rely on your Realtor for answers. A good Realtor’s goal is to make your home-buying experience a smooth and successful one, and that includes answering all of your questions and providing useful advice. If you have concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to ask.
Like childhood fears, the scariest aspects of buying your first home are typically unfounded. In fact, by doing a little homework and asking a lot of questions, becoming a new homeowner can be a great experience. | 
