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Buying a First Home - A Tutorial for First-Time Home Buyers

A message from the author:

I painfully remember buying my first home. Specifically, I remember visiting dozens of websites to find the information I needed, thinking to myself "somebody should roll all this up into one website."

That's what I've created in Home Buying Institute, a one-stop shop for anyone buying a first home (and hungry for information). By adding new articles and resources on a daily basis, I'm able to offer first-time home buyers what I never had -- a complete and convenient home buying education.

Buying a First Home - The Various Stages

You'll find the information on this website is organized in a way that logically coincides with the home buying process. It starts with financial self-assessment and ends with the real estate closing process. In between, you'll find a complete education that will be a huge help when buying your first home.

First-Time Home Buying Selections

Below, I've gathered below some of the home buying articles I think you should start with. I consider these articles to be required reading for anyone buying their first home. I've selected articles that (A) focus on first-time home buyers, (B) offer plenty of helpful information, and (C) cover each step of the home buying process.

So without further ado, here is my list of required reading for first-time home buyers.

Enjoy,

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Brandon Cornett
Publisher, Home Buying Institute


The Self-Assessment Phase

When buying a first home, it's easy to let your emotions get away from you. But it's important not to rush into something as important and life-changing as buying a home. The articles that follow will help you examine your finances, your life situation, and other factors that bear importance on your home buying process.


The Credit Review Process

Continuing the self-assessment phase, it's important to understand how your credit affects you when buying your first home. It's equally important to get a copy of your credit report and review it the way a mortgage lender would. The articles below will help you get started.


Finding a Real Estate Agent

It's a wise idea to hire a real estate agent when buying your first home. There's too much at stake to go it alone. How do you find the real estate agent who's right for you? These articles will help.


Choosing a Mortgage Type

There are a lot of different types of mortgages, and which one you choose will affect your finances for a long time to come. Some first-time home buyers learn that they've chosen the wrong kind of mortgage after the fact, when it's too late. To avoid this, you have to understand the pros and cons of each type of mortgage.


The Mortgage Process

Once you've decided which type of mortgage is right for you, you'll begin the process of applying for and (hopefully) getting approved for the loan. As a first-time home buyer, you might find this process a little intimidating. Understanding the process will help calm your nerves. So here's an overview of the mortgage process you'll face when buying your first home.


Online Mortgage Lenders

Like most other industries, mortgage lenders have adapted to the Internet. These days, a first-time home buyer can actually qualify for and obtain a mortgage loan online. But be careful -- the anonymous nature of the Internet has led to a rise in the number of unethical or "predatory" lenders. Overall they still represent the minority, but many of them use the Internet to take advantage of first-time home buyers. These articles will help you educate and protect yourself:


The House Hunting Process

House hunting can be very exciting, especially when buying a first home. That's perfectly natural. If you're not excited about buying your first home, there might be something wrong with you! :-) But at the same time, you need to be cool-headed and rational. After all, choosing a home is a life-changing decision and deserves the utmost consideration. Here are some articles to help you plan for your house hunting process.


The Home Inspection Process

Some first-time home buyers ask, "Do I really need a home inspection?" Let me answer this question with a resounding YES. Home inspections cost an average of $300. That's a small price to pay for peace of mind. A home inspection is especially important when buying a first home, because you might not be experienced in spotting discrepancies and problem areas. Here are some helpful articles to help you learn more:


The Closing / Settlement Process

I've often joked that the settlement process should be called the "unsettling process" for first-time home buyers. After all, it represents the culmination of the home buying process -- the point when all the paperwork is signed, all fees are paid, and the deed passes from seller to buyer. And all in one day! But the closing / settlement process doesn't have to be unsettling, especially if you're well-informed and prepared for it. Here's some info to get you started:

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About the Author
Brandon Cornett is the publisher of HomeBuyingInstitute.com. You can learn more about the home buying process by visiting http://www.HomeBuyingInstitute.com