Leave a Message

Thank you for your message. We will be in touch with you shortly.

Explore Our Properties

4 Essential Tips for First Time Home Buyers

July 18, 2018

Buying your first home is an experience that you'll never forget.
 
You'll be dealing with amounts of money that you've probably never worked with before and from start to finish the process is a whirlwind of emotion and excitement that's often sprinkled with a little bit of nervousness and anxiety.
 
Today we are going to try and make things feel a little more familiar for first-time buyers. We're going to share 4 essential bits of advice that any prospective property owner should take into account before signing on the dotted line.
 
Let's get started.
 

1.) Start Saving Sooner

While around 20% is probably the most common deposit amount, these days there are lenders that will provide mortgages to first time buyers who have smaller deposits. While these deals can often offer people a path to the property ladder that may have been previously out of reach – they can also be costly.
 
The less deposit you provide, the riskier the loan is for the lender and as such, you may be offered a higher interest rate or asked to take out private mortgage insurance.
 
Save as soon as you can (and as much as you can) for that first deposit. If you do you'll almost certainly be getting a much better deal long term.
 

2.) Put Aside Some Cash For After You've Moved In

Once you've closed the deal and received the keys, you'll undoubtedly have additional expenses to cover. When you're viewing the house, think about things like furniture, repairs, decorating and other little odds and ends that you may want to sort out pretty quickly after you move in.
 
Try and estimate how much you're going to need and set the money aside to get your property fixed up promptly.
 

3.) Be Realistic

One of the most common traps that first-time buyers fall into is either being too optimistic (or too pessimistic) about a property.
 
For example, imagine you think you've found the perfect property but there are one or two deal-breaking issues that you feel could be fixed within budget. But, when the time comes to make the fixes – the costs are much higher than expected (potentially prohibitively so).
 
It's not a great situation to be in...
 
Similarly, you could buy a house on "the wrong side of town" because you think you're getting a great deal as the property itself is nice. However, as you'd learn very quickly, you can change a property easily - but you can't change the neighborhood it's in.
 
Listen to you your real estate agent, take in their expert advice, and try and remain as grounded as possible throughout the entire process – it's easy to get carried away in the fun and excitement of real estate.
 

4.) Use A Realtor

As you might expect, we feel that using a realtor is extremely beneficial for all property transactions, but this is especially true in the case of first-time buyers. Navigating the world of real estate can be tricky—we're here to protect both you and your investment.
 
A good realtor will know things about the area and market that you probably don't. They'll know about things that are likely to affect your decision (positively or negatively) and they'll be completely transparent in sharing that information.
 
Simply put, they know the questions to ask, and perhaps more importantly – they know how to ask them.
 
A good realtor should end up feeling more like an advisor than a salesperson. They're going to be your fountain of knowledge guiding you on your journey to the perfect property purchase!
 
We absolutely love assisting first time home buyers on their journey to home ownership; it's one of the most rewarding experiences and greatest accomplishments you'll ever achieve.
 
Contact us today at (912) 737-2935 if you're thinking about purchasing your first home!

Recent Blog Posts

Stay up to date on the latest real estate trends.

Real Estate

Home Age vs. Market Value in Clyo, GA: What You Should Know

Understanding the Impact of Home Age on Property Value in Clyo, GA

Real Estate

Eco Upgrades to Boost Your Home Value in Hardeeville, SC

Enhance Property Worth with Sustainable Home Improvements in Hardeeville

Real Estate

Top Neighborhoods to Invest in Sea Pines, SC This Year

Discover the Best Investment Opportunities in Sea Pines, SC

Real Estate

Remodeling Tips for Downtown Savannah Homes Stress-Free

Achieve a Smooth Renovation Process with These Expert Strategies

events

Things to Do in Savannah & Bluffton This August 2025: Events, Festivals, and Local Favorites

From rooftop concerts to beach days and art walks, here’s your guide to the top events happening in Savannah, GA and Bluffton, SC this August.

Real Estate

What You Need to Know About the Midtown Savannah Real Estate Market

Essential Insights Into Midtown Savannah's Real Estate Trends

Real Estate

Discover Telfair Plantation: Gated Acreage, Marsh Views & Equestrian Charm Near Savannah

A gated Lowcountry community offering marshfront views, equestrian trails, and spacious build-ready acreage just minutes from Savannah

Real Estate

What to Look for When Choosing the Right Neighborhood in Greenville, SC

Essential Factors to Consider for Your Ideal Greenville Neighborhood

home values

What's My Home Worth in Savannah, GA? July 2025 Market Update

Get real data—not algorithm guesses—on what your Savannah home could sell for this month, plus insights from local experts who actually live and work here.

Work With Us

Join hands with Savannah’s premier coastal specialists for a real estate experience that’s as unique as you are. Whether buying, selling, or exploring new opportunities, our team is dedicated to guiding you with warmth, and expert insight.