Are you considering purchasing your first home in the [Profile.market] area?  Here are some tips from local real estate expert, [Profile.full_name] of [Profile.comp_name] to get you started on the right path toward home ownership.

The first step any first time homeowner should take before looking for real estate in [Profile.market] is to attend a home buying seminar.  Experts such as real estate professionals, mortgage lending companies, and even home inspectors offer free seminars.  These no obligation seminars offer useful information that can potentially save you thousands of dollars.

The next step to take prior to buying a home in the [Profile.market] area is to know your credit score.  This step should be taken early in the process.  Some experts suggest checking your credit score as early as six months prior to buying your first home.  The reason for this is because your credit score can determine the type of financing you will be eligible for.  If there is a blemish on your credit report you will have time to correct the problem and build up your credit score prior to applying for a mortgage loan.  Know your debt-to-income ratio.  This ratio can affect your eligibility to obtain a mortgage as well as the type of financing to secure.

Choose a professional real estate agent.  Buying a home is the largest investment most people make during their life.  Professional real estate agents are knowledgeable with the home buying process from start to finish.  For more information on all that a real estate agent offers go to [Profile.website].

Get pre-qualified for a loan.  There are two benefits for becoming pre-qualified.  The first allows you, the home buyer, to know what price range of homes to look at.  The second gives you more weight with the seller when putting in a purchase offer.  Sellers tend to choose an offer with a pre-qualified buyer over an offer from a buyer without pre-qualified financing already lined up.

With all of these steps in place, you are now ready to go out and find your first home.

To receive a free weekly list of homes in the Ellicott City Maryland Real Estate market or the surrounding areas simply fill out the form below.

Don't be afraid to fill in your specific needs of what you're looking for in the comment box, as we'll be happy to get your house hunt under way or guide you in the home selling process!

Thanks and we look forward to hearing from you!