Buying your first home is a huge decision, and can be a very long and involved process. That’s why it’s important to thoroughly educate yourself before you even start to look at homes for sale. Learn about the home buying process, and examine your own finances before you decide that you’re ready. This will keep you from getting ripped off, or ripping yourself off by buying a home you can’t afford. Check out this infographic by Angela Duong at Mad Homes Utah for things that every first time buyer should know…before they even pick up the phone to call a Realtor!
-Know the amount you qualify for; head to a lender and get pre-approved for a mortgage.
-Do not call the agent on the listing sign- instead, hire your own buyer’s agent.
-Save for a down payment- this should be around 5% of the total home price.
-Don’t jump on the first home you see- view (in person) at least 5 homes before making a decision. Don’t let anyone pressure you, and make sure you know what you truly want in a home before committing.
A lot of people seem to think that switching to more environmentally friendly products is an expensive hassle, but they couldn’t be more wrong. A hybrid car means you pay less in gas money. Solar panels means less electricity use. Energy efficient light bulbs last way, way longer than traditional bulbs. Fruits and veggies are cheaper than processed, sugary, junk food. Walking or riding a bike to work is FREE! You may have to pay more up front for “green” products, but you will definitely save money in the long run.
Most of the country is still smack-dab in the middle of a tight seller’s market. Houses are being snatched off the market within days of listing. While it can be the selling Realtor’s dream, it’s a buyer’s nightmare. How are you supposed to compete in bidding wars with real estate investors and other cash buyers? It may sound intimidating, but it can be done. Even if you’re not making a cash offer, you may win the bidding war if you stand out as a buyer. Check out this post by 
Realtors have to be incredibly good with people: you have to be a quick communicator, a master diplomat, and a pro negotiator. Plus, you have to know how to buy and sell homes! But, it all comes down to knowing how to talk to people. It’s important to be professional, knowledgeable, and to be able to voice you and your clients’ concerns without coming off as unpleasant or accusatory. That’s why I love this post by 
Whether it’s knowing how to do some basic repairs, or how to keep your home safe from burglars, there is a huge chunk of knowledge that many homeowners simply don’t possess. And that’s fine! As long as you are willing to learn. Knowing how to keep your home running safely is imperative if you don’t want to waste thousands of extra dollars on unnecessary repairs or damages. For some handy home tips, read 
If a home has issues, it’s no secret that the seller will attempt to hide (or at least minimize) them. However, even though it’s a seller’s market, that doesn’t mean that you as a buyer has to turn a blind eye to flaws. While you can’t afford to be TOO picky, it’s important to keep a sharp eye out if the seller seems to be hiding things. Read this article by