First Time Home Buying in Missoula: Finding Your Nest Egg
You could google your way into a black hole on first time home buying OR you could take these easy steps I put together for you! Up to you…
Take Homeword Class! I highly recommend both the Homebuyer Education + Financial Skills Building courses.
Get very familiar with your current expenses to determine if you are ready to buy now or need to continue to save. This could also be a great time to connect with a financial planner!
Start meeting with realtors and lenders - find those that you are comfortable working with and that you think can give you guidance.
Understand your local market. The easiest way to do this is by talking to your realtor. They will have intimate knowledge on what is happening in Missoula and, more specifically, the price range you are looking in. You can also start to get a feel of the market on your own by:
Looking at homes in your price range online (dont lie, you already spend a lot of time on Zillow.)
Attend open houses on the weekends
Take a look at housing data on the Missoula Organization of Realtors website. I am a big fan of the Five Valleys Housing Report. It's both historical and interactive!
Go find your dream home and make an offer! Remember to be patient - the perfect home might not yet be on the market.
I give all my clients a step by step guide that goes very in depth on each step in the home buying process. Please reach out if you would like a copy!
I will leave you with a few of my pro tips for first time buyers:
Make sure you like who you are working with. You don't need to work with the first person you meet and you are allowed to interview your team.
Go see houses (in person!) before you are ready to buy. Start educating yourself early so you have a better idea of what you are working towards.
“Comparison is the thief of joy.” - Theodore Roosevelt. Do what's right for YOU at YOUR own pace.
Take a deep breath and think through your decisions. In this fast paced market it's easy to rush yourself.
Have more questions? Let’s go grab coffee and talk it out! Coffee’s on me :)