First-time buyer?
Don’t worry — your Port Aransas Realtor® will walk you through the whole process.

3 Tips for First-Time Home Buyers in Port Aransas

Your first excursion into the real estate market is exciting, but it can be a little confusing (and if we’re being honest, it can be a little scary, too).
With the right help, though, you’ll come out of it unscathed… And you’ll own your own home.

First-Time Home Buyer Tip #1: Get Your Finances in Order Before You Start House-Hunting

Order your free credit report from Annual Credit Report. Thanks to the Federal Trade Commission, everyone’s entitled to one free copy of his or her credit report every year. Annual Credit Report is the one the FTC recommends you use, but there are other services available — just be careful that you’re not signing up to pay for something when you don’t have to do so.
Start talking to lenders. Get quotes on mortgages, and compare their rates and fees.
Figure out how much money you can spend on a down payment. Typically, the more you spend on a down payment, the lower your mortgage payments will be. If you qualify for a VA loan, use it! Try to get preapproval for a loan (not prequalification, but preapproval) before you start looking; that way, you’ll know your budget and you’ll be able to find homes that really meet your needs.

First-Time Home Buyer Tip #2: Separate Your “Needs” From Your “Wants”

You need a bathroom and a bedroom, and probably a kitchen… but that’s if you’re flying solo. If you have children, you’ll have to plan for their needs. Don’t forget to think about the future, too; if you’re growing your family (or if some are leaving the nest), you’ll have to plan accordingly.
We all want a swimming pool, an outdoor kitchen, and a big, roomy garage, but unless you need these things, you may want to brace yourself; they might not be feasible when you’re buying your first home.

First-Time Home Buyer Tip #3: Let Your Realtor Do the Heavy Lifting

Tell your Realtor what you need and what you want. Make sure she knows about your budget and your preapproval status so she can find Port Aransas real estate listings that meet your needs, and set up times to go see the homes you’re interested in buying.
Remember while you’re house-hunting that great homes don’t stay on the market for long. If you find one you love, make an offer. Your Realtor will help you every step of the way!

Are You Buying a House in Port Aransas?

If you’re buying a home in Port Aransas, call us at 361-563-7788 right away. Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll help you find it.
In the meantime, browse our Port A real estate listings in some of the most popular communities:

Filed under: Blog, Buying, First-Time Buyers by Julie Woodward
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When it comes to buying a home, there’s no time like the present. Interest rates are still low, but there is a hike on the horizon—so now may be the perfect time for you to dive into home ownership.
So where do you start?

How to Get Ready to Buy a Home in Port Aransas

When you’re considering making the switch from renter to owner, you’ll have to take a few steps to make sure you’re on the right track for a successful purchase.

Step 1 of Buying a Home in Port Aransas: Talk to a Realtor®

Every good real estate transaction starts with a great Realtor. You should find someone who you “click” with. Questions to ask as you interview potential Realtors include:

• How often do you work with first-time buyers?
• Will it be difficult to find a home within my price range?
• Can you recommend lenders, contractors, and other professionals who can help me with my home purchase?

A good Realtor will give answers that you are satisfied with—and she’ll begin assisting you right away. It’s important that you remember it doesn’t cost you a thing to work with a buyer’s agent. The seller pays the Realtor’s fees.

Step 2 of Buying a Home in Port Aransas: Talk to a Lender

Whether your Realtor recommends a lender or you choose to work with one you already know and trust, one of the first things you need to do is find out how much house you can afford. Your lender will run the numbers so you can set your price range, and they’ll also run your credit so you’re aware of any issues you may need to handle before you make your purchase.

Step 3 of Buying a Home in Port Aransas: Do Your Homework

Buying a home is probably one of the biggest decision you’ll ever make during your life, so it makes sense for you to do as much research as possible. Use the Internet, ask your Realtor questions, and talk to family and friends who have purchased before. The more you know, this mother your home buying experience will be.

Step 4 of Buying a Home in Port Aransas: Shop Around

Think about all the Port Aransas neighborhoods that fit within your price range. Do your homework on the neighborhoods by driving through them at various times of day; do they come to life in the evenings, when you’re winding down for the day? Are they quiet, or are children playing on the sidewalks in the afternoons? The more you know about your potential neighborhoods and the homes you’re interested in buying, the better off you’ll be.

Are You Buying a Home in Port Aransas?

Whether you’re looking for a home for sale in Port Aransas or North Padre Island, we’d love to help you find the perfect place to live.
Call us at 361-563-7788 or get in touch with us online to tell us what you want from your next home. We’ll start searching right away.
In the meantime, check out our:

• All-in-one mortgage calculator
• Free homebuyer handbook
• Free eBooks about buying a home (and more)

Filed under: Blog, Buying, First-Time Buyers by Julie Woodward
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If you’re buying a home, you already know that it costs money.
But what are the costs of owning a home that go beyond the mortgage? If you’re a first-time buyer, here’s what you need to know.

Beyond the Down Payment

For most home purchases, buyers need to come up with the standard 20 percent down payment (unless you’re using a VA loan, which doesn’t require a down payment at all, or some types of FHA loans).
Other than your monthly mortgage payment, which begins shortly after you move in, you’ll have to think about furniture, décor, and in some cases, appliances. The
These things really add up… and unfortunately, there’s more to come.

Real Estate Taxes

Your home’s value is the biggest factor in the amount of taxes you’ll have to pay. In many cases, mortgage lenders final real estate taxes into monthly mortgage payments—and that can be a big bonus for you because your taxes will be paid on time, and it’s one less thing to worry about.

Homeowners Insurance

You’ll most likely have to purchase homeowners insurance, which protects you against issues such as fire, theft, and other disasters. However, as with other types of insurance, you’ll most likely be required to pay a deductible if something happens; that means it’s a good idea to set aside a stash of cash for an emergency.

Homeowners Association Dues

Some neighborhoods and subdivisions charge homeowners a monthly or annual fee to care for the sidewalks, landscaping, and other amenities. Nearly all condominium complexes charge HOA dues, as well.

Home Maintenance

If possible, you may want to purchase a home warranty that will cover defects and issues. If not, remember the everything in your home has a life expectancy—including appliances, fencing, and other components.
Most experts suggest that you budget between 1 and 2 percent of your home’s purchase price to put toward annual upkeep.

Are You Buying a Home in Port Aransas?

Whether you’re looking for a home for sale in Port Aransas orNorth Padre Island, we’d love to help you find the perfect place to live.
Call us at 361-563-7788 or get in touch with us online to tell us what you want from your next home. We’ll start searching right away.
In the meantime, check out our:

• All-in-one mortgage calculator
• Free homebuyer handbook
• Free eBooks about buying a home (and more)

Filed under: Blog, Buying, Financing, First-Time Buyers by Julie Woodward
No Comments »