First-time buyers are special and they need extra guidance. This is (in most cases) the largest financial commitment they will make so far, and they want to make the right decisions. When I first got in the Real Estate business 26 years ago, I met some clients who were in a home and had not only gotten a terrible deal on the purchase, but also, had been locked into a horrible finance agenda that was “recommended” to them. I vowed then to always look out for my client’s best interest FIRST and not my commission. I was a single mom of twins and wanted to practice the “Golden Rule”.
In keeping that vow, I am notoriously known for talking buyers out of more homes then encouraging them in to! Adjacently, I always try to get them set up with an excellent local lender that never charges JUNK FEES, has competitive rates, and in-house underwriting.
In addition to the standard education about their desired neighborhood/area, I also talk to my first- timers about the investment side of buying. I advise them to keep it updated and in good shape since it is their most valuable investment. We talk about what and what isn’t updated when we look through homes, so they know how to increase value.
Lastly, I coach on the fact that buying isn’t always about the “deal” you get on a house. I think most buyers want to know they didn’t overpay for their home, and that their values will increase in the future. Oklahoma has done so much better in the last few years compared to other parts of the country, and with the right home and educated homeowner, property values should increase naturally! Is this a great state or what?!
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