The Ultimate Checklist for First Time Homebuyers in Atlanta

As first time homebuyers in Atlanta and the surrounding areas, the process of purchasing a new home can be daunting, confusing, and downright overwhelming. With so many factors to consider, it’s easy to get lost in the sea of information and end up making a decision that you may regret later on.

To help you navigate through the process, we have compiled the ultimate checklist for first time homebuyers in Atlanta and the surrounding areas. This comprehensive guide will take you step-by-step through the home-buying process from start to finish so you feel like you know what to expect at every turn in the transaction. It’s important to feel comfortable when selling your home and this should help.

Buying your first home can be daunting to say the least. At ATL Real Estate Services, we go above and beyond to make sure you feel like you’re a seasoned pro at buying homes.

1. Determine Your Budget When Buying a Home

The first step in the home-buying process is to determine your budget. You need to have a clear idea of how much you can afford before you start looking at homes. Many people will end up overspending, which can cost them in the long run. Consider your income, expenses, and current debt to determine how much you can afford to spend on a new home. You don’t want to take on a new mortgage payment that is too high and will make your regular life financially uncomfortable. This is where step 2 comes into play.

2. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

Once you have a budget in mind, it’s time to get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will give you a clear idea of how much money you can borrow from a lender. It’s important to get pre-approved before you start looking at homes, as this will help you narrow down your search and save time. You can spend a lot of time looking at homes out of your price range or you could spend a bunch of time looking at homes and you could have comfortably afforded something better for you and your family. Get your numbers down first!

3. Find a Real Estate Agent

A good Atlanta real estate agent can be an invaluable resource when it comes to finding your dream home. Look for an agent who has experience in the area where you want to buy and who is willing to work with you to find the right home within your budget. Having the right agent by your side will make all of the difference in your home-buying experience. As a licensed REALTOR® with Atlanta Communities, Chris Hassler has worked with many first time homebuyers in Atlanta and will listen to everything you’re wanting to achieve in your next home and won’t stop looking until he gets you into it. Call 404-439-9984 and ask to speak with Chris so he can get you started in the right direction.

Finding a good agent can be a hard task in itself. Call ATL Real Estate Services today at 404-439-9984 so we can show you how we can help you achieve your goals.

4. Start House Hunting

With your budget in mind and your mortgage pre-approval in hand, it’s time to start house hunting. Make a list of your must-haves and deal-breakers, and start looking at homes that fit your criteria. Remember to keep an open mind- the perfect home may not be exactly what you had in mind. It’s also best to look at homes just outside of your price range as you can always negotiate if the seller is eager to come down in price just to sell the home.

5. Get a Home Inspection

When you make an offer on a home, it’s important to get a home inspection. This will give you a clear idea of any potential issues with the property, and can help you negotiate a lower price or request repairs before closing. You don’t want to be stuck with the hot potato because you didn’t spend the money to get a qualified home inspector to look behind the curtain.

6. Make an Offer

Once you’ve found the right home, it’s time to make an offer. Work with your real estate agent to come up with a fair and reasonable offer based on the market value of the property. Each property will be different and the market you’re attempting to buy in will also make a big difference. You can’t lowball people when it’s a seller’s market and when it’s a buyer’s market, you can typically get better deals as there is a lot more inventory. Your agent can help you with this.

7. Close the Deal

If your offer is accepted, it’s time to close the deal. Work with your real estate agent and lender to finalize the details of your mortgage, and sign all the necessary paperwork to make your dream home officially yours. Having a good closing attorney will definitely help smooth out this last part of the process. You’ll want to make sure you get clear title back so you won’t have any issues in the future.

8. Move In

Congratulations- you’re now a homeowner! Now it’s time to start unpacking, decorating, and making your new house a home. Enjoy the process, and remember that owning a home is a big responsibility but also a huge privilege.

In conclusion, purchasing a home is a major life decision- and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. By following this ultimate checklist for first time homebuyers in Atlanta, you can ensure that you’re making an informed decision that you’ll be happy with for years to come. Remember to stay patient, be open-minded, and work with a team of professionals to help guide you through the process. Good luck, and happy house hunting! Reach out to ATL Real Estate Services if you’re first time homebuyers in Atlanta and want to learn more about how we can help you! 404-439-9984

Call ATL Real Estate Services today at 404-439-9984 if you're interested in selling your home in Atlanta. We will go through the entire process and what other homes are selling for that are comparable to yours so you know you're getting the best deal.
Call ATL Real Estate Services today at 404-439-9984 if you’re interested in selling your home in Atlanta. We will go through the entire process and what other homes are selling for that are comparable to yours so you know you’re getting the best deal.
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