Chris Graves, Certified Mortgage Advisor

Providing Mortgage Services in MA, NH, ME, RI and FL

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MA First Time Home Buyer Advice

The home buying process can be a bit scary for first time buyers. The MA first time home buyer advice below may help. Properties are a big investment and buyers should enter with as much information as possible.

Before Starting a Real Estate Search

Select a Local Mortgage Company & Request Pre-approvals

Speak with a local mortgage provider and request a pre-approval. Different companies may offer different programs. Review the options and closing costs to figure out the best option. Starting this process ahead of time will help you understand the estimated up-front and monthly costs of home ownership. This may offer a good estimation of what you can afford.

Get Assistance from a Real Estate Professional

Find a real estate professional to help with your property purchase. Evaluate several agents and choose one that best understands your needs. Experienced Realtors can help you identify appropriate properties, prepare contracts, and facilitate a smooth transaction. This will be invaluable first time buyers.

Notes About Buying Steps

Viewing Properties

Only see real estate within your budget. This prevents the heartache of wanting real estate that you cannot have. Touring homes can take significant time and energy, so staying within your budget will also save valuable time.

Offers

Real estate professionals can offer advice on contracts and negotiating them, but they do not practice law. Think about using a local real estate attorney to interpret legal jargon and add any necessary terms. Do not sign any documents that you are not completely comfortable with.

Home Inspections

Do not use an inspection to renegotiate price or other terms. Also stay away from negotiating obvious problems. Such strategies often fail and may cause you to waste the money spent on the inspection. Sellers have the option to repair problems, offer to compensate you for them, or be unwilling to do anything. Reasonable requests are more likely to be accepted.

Walk-Thru Prior to Closing

Prior to the closing, you will have an opportunity to view the property. Try and complete this after the seller has vacated the home. Resolve any issues before signing closing paperwork as there is little you can do afterwards.

The Closing

Be sure to bring proper identification to the closing. Closing costs and down payment money must be certified. Also bring your checkbook for any last minute adjustments. Once the closing paperwork is filed, the property will be yours!

Additional MA First Time Home Buyer Advice

The home purchase process will be much less stressful if you prepare in advance and keep the above in mind. For tips beyond what is provided in this MA first time home buyer advice, contact Christopher Graves at Emery Federal Credit Union by calling 781-759-1200 x22 or by emailing christopher.d.graves@gmail.com.

Chris Graves's avatar

Chris Graves

I grew up in Massachusetts, spent the majority of my young adult life in Boston, and own a home in Windham NH. I have owned properties in MA and NH. I specialize in mortgage lending in Massachusetts and New Hampshire and my company does have the ability to lend in other states. I graduated from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst Massachusetts in 2002. I have a Bachelor’s in Science. In addition to managing a team of loan officers my personal loan production is always in the top of the entire of company. I have personally been in the mortgage business for over 13 years. I pride myself with taking my clients from application to close in the smoothest and quickest way possible, while keeping them well informed during the entire process. I originate my own loans from start to finish and work hand in hand with my loan processors & underwriters to make sure I am updated to the minute with all of my files. I stay up to date with lending guidelines and speak with underwriters on a daily basis to ensure I am aware of all of the lending guidelines in place.