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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If you’re like many people, you’re always looking for a great deal on the real estate market — and one way to find them is to browse Port Aransas foreclosures.
However, if you choose to buy a foreclosed home for sale in Port Aransas, here’s what you need to know before you make an offer.

Port Aransas Foreclosures: What You Need to Know

There are plenty of foreclosed homes for sale on North Padre Island and in Port Aransas, and for many people, it’s the best way to buy a larger home than would ordinarily be possible.
One of the other benefits of buying a foreclosed home is that you’re likely to get it below market value — and if you do, you’ll have equity in it the moment you sign the closing paperwork.
On the other hand, you always need to be on the lookout for substandard property conditions when you’re buying a foreclosure. It’s not that the original owners didn’t care about the home; it’s more likely that they had to decide between maintenance or repairs and making a house payment.
Your lender may not move as quickly as you’d like them to, either. Banks require extensive paperwork to sell a foreclosed home in Port Aransas or elsewhere, but you can do your part by providing your loan officer with all the paperwork he needs in a timely manner. You’ll probably need:

• Pay stubs
• Tax returns
• Bank statements
• Other proof of income

Your lender may require other documentation, as well, particularly if you’re using a federally backed loan.

Are You Looking for Port Aransas Foreclosures?

If you’re thinking about buying a foreclosure, check out our:

• North Padre Island home foreclosures
• North Padre Island condo foreclosures
• Port Aransas home foreclosures
• Port Aransas condo foreclosures

In the meantime, call us at 361-563-7788 to tell us what you want from your next home… we’ll help you find it!

 

Filed under: Blog, Buying, Foreclosures, Lenders by Julie Woodward
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