Purchasing your first home is both exciting and exhausting. However, for most people, it’s the fulfillment of a dream they’ve had all of their adult lives. Still, it can be overwhelming. There are many details to manage-you’ll have to make a savings plan, select a mortgage, and check your credit. Then, and only then, it will be time to begin shopping for your first house. This part of the process can be tedious, so we’ve got a few tips to help make things easier and more efficient.

1. Select The Right Real Estate Agent 

An excellent real estate agent is essential when purchasing your first home. Your agent should comb the market for houses that fit your needs and help you through the negotiation and closing processes. It’s never a bad idea to interview several agents and ask them about their experience with first-time buyers. Some agents come with bios, but a more personal connection is always helpful. Agents plan to help you purchase your new home, so be clear and precise about what you’re looking for. It also doesn’t hurt to ask people you know for recommendations and read reviews online to find the best agents in your area.

2. Pick The Right Type of Home

You’ll need to consider what type of home best meets your budget and needs. Will a small starter home suffice? Or will you need more space to grow your family soon after? Condos or townhomes can be a great budget-friendly option, though you will be sacrificing some of your privacy. Do you want to live in a gated or non-gated community? If so, you should plan for Homeowner’s Association fees as a part of your living expenses.

If you have the time and know-how, a fixer-upper can also be a great way to get more home for your offer. Make sure you will be able to afford the necessary repairs and renovations if you take this route. A newer home may cost more but is move-in ready with very little to no need for renovations. Everything is up to date and should have already been tailored to your liking before. 

3. Consider Location

Narrow your search to homes that you know will fulfill your daily needs. Location is crucial if you searching for a house closer to work, a school for your kids, or just convenient in general. Do you want to live in the heart of the city, the suburbs, or somewhere more rural? If you have or plan to start a family, you may want to consider what school district you will live in. Test out the drive from your potential home to places you frequently visit, like work or the grocery store. Pay close attention to traffic and travel time.

4. Set a Budget

Budget carefully when considering hidden costs of homeownership such as property taxes and HOA dues. Once you’ve set a budget, stick to it even if a lender is willing to loan more or tempted to enter into a bidding war with another buyer. To help yourself stay within your price range, look at homes slightly below your budget. This will allow you to bid higher in a competitive market.

5. Visit Open Houses

Many sellers are now offering virtual home tours, which can be a great tool to help you determine which houses are worth seeing in person. When you tour a house, focus on the details not mentioned in the property description or shown in the visuals. How do the carpets smell? Is there enough natural light? Is there a considerable amount of traffic noise? Don’t be afraid to ask these questions!

Buying your first home doesn’t have to be stressful at all! Following these tips will help ensure that the home shopping process goes smoothly and leads you to find the perfect home.