4 handy tips for first-time buyers

Buying a house is one of the most expensive deals of your life, and the first time is always a memorable experience. Moreover, the process of home buying can get stressful, but keeping a few tips handy can be great for first-time home buyers.

Read on to know four useful tips before buying your first home.

Plan out a budget and stick to it

First-time home buyers require a lot of research and planning. Budget, the most essential part of the entire process, makes planning even more important. Know what you can afford and how you want to go about with the financing.

Plan and calculate the entire payment, check out online calculators, research about various loans for first-time home buyers, and ensure that you do not miss out on any payment essentials.

Consult an experienced realtor

A realtor can either make or break your deal of buying your first home. An experienced realtor will have contacts of real estate attorneys and loan officers and can also guide you throughout the process of buying the property.

As per the statistics of the National Association of Realtors, nearly 50% buyers found their realtor from a personal referral. So, it is advisable to start asking for references from your family and friends, as recommendations always help.

Moreover, you can always check out real estate websites such as Zillow, Streeteasy, and Trulia, to name a few.

Compare the apartments in the area

Comparison will always help you get a better look at the choices you have. There are numerous real estate websites that can help you research various homes, depending on custom searches such as the location, budget, number of rooms, and property type, among others. By comparing the apartments, you can also read reviews of the location or area to get a better understanding of the neighborhood. Moreover, the comparing will help you sort the budget as well, giving you various alternatives.

List out the non-negotiables

Before you delve going ahead and buying your first home, it is advisable to list down the non-negotiables. One should know and figure out which things would enhance their well-being, and which won’t. So, making a list of things that you would want in your apartment would also help your realtor know about your specific preferences. From square footage to location and amenities, pen down the must-haves in your future home.

One of the best ways of gauging your options is to visit the apartments or houses in your preferred area and shortlist the ones that suit your preferences. Knowing what your preferences are can also help you settle on a budget.

You should also reevaluate your list of essentials and keep adding or subtracting what you would want and what you wouldn’t in your first home.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

  • Quick Guide to High Blood Pressure Numbers and Charts
    High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a medical condition in which blood pressure in the blood vessels is consistently high. High blood pressure is caused primarily by an unhealthy lifestyle and genetic factors. Sometimes hypertension is also a result of renal diseases and endocrine conditions. People with persistent hypertension are at a high risk of coronary artery diseases, heart failure, chronic renal diseases, and dementia. What your blood pressure number means Blood pressure is expressed in two numbers, like 120/80 mm Hg. The first number or the systolic, here 120, is the pressure when the heart beats and the second number or diastolic, here 80, is the pressure when the heart rests between two beats. Read on to get a quick understanding of what your blood pressure numbers or a high blood pressure chart mean: Blood pressure categories According to the American Heart Association, high blood pressure falls in various categories depending on systolic and diastolic readings:
    • Normal – According to the high blood pressure chart, if the blood pressure measures less than 120/80, that is less than 120 systolic and less than 80 diastolic, it is considered to be in the normal range. It is suggested to stick with a healthy lifestyle, follow a balanced diet, and do physical activities.
    • Elevated – When blood pressure readings range from 120-129 systolic and less than 80 diastolic, it is said to be elevated. There are chances to develop high blood pressure if steps are not taken to control the situation.
    • Hypertension Stage 1 – According to the high blood pressure chart, when blood pressure persistently ranges from 130-139 systolic and 80-89 diastolic, it is considered to be in the hypertension stage. Doctors would recommend lifestyle changes and prescribe medications.
    • Hypertension Stage 2 – When blood pressure consistently ranges from 140 or higher systolic and 89 or more diastolic, the condition of hypertension stage 2 is developed. Doctors would prescribe medications and lifestyle changes at this point in time.
    • Hypertensive crisis – This involves severely elevated blood pressure levels and requires medical attention. As per a high blood pressure chart, the pressure number in this condition is 180/110 mm Hg or more. Hypertensive crisis is categorized as hypertensive urgency, where oral medications are used to lower high blood pressure gradually.
    Nearly half of the country's population over the age of 20 has high blood pressure and many are unaware of it. Ignoring this condition can prove dangerous as high blood pressure increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
  • What are senior living apartments?
    As we grow old, we tend to rely on certain amenities that are not conveniently available in an otherwise regular apartment in the neighborhood. Care and service is more than just a liability as we grow old. Senior living apartments are communities that offer low maintenance low income based apartments that cater your housekeeping and dining necessities making your life much easier. Senior living apartments are a good option if you are retired. To qualify to live in a senior living apartment, the applicant must be 55 to 62 years or older. For the community, to qualify as senior living apartment, the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) and the Housing for Older Persons Act states that the housing must include at least one person who is 55 or older in at least 80 percent of its occupied units. This means that one spouse can be under the required age. Housing and Urban Development also makes an age exception for disabled individuals. You can choose your type of senior living apartment based on your most required amenity. You can choose to live in a home with minimal or no maintenance. There are senior living apartment for divorced or for widows and widowers who are looking to downsize their budget or stay in close vicinities of their loved ones. There are three general pricing categories of a senior living apartment. Affordable senior living apartments let their renters pay not more than 30% of their income on rent and utilities. Federal and state laws provide them with other protections and funding. Market rate senior living apartments offer apartments 15% below regular apartment rates. These apartments normally offer dining, housekeeping and transportation amenities. Luxury senior living apartments offer dozens of upscale amenities. These apartments are normally larger than 2000 square feet in area. They are generally second home for senior citizens and are close to the vicinities that have cultural activities. The amenities that senior living apartment offer range from common area with TV and living room. Community dining room with meals offered two to three times a day, smoke detectors in every room with fire alarm and sprinklers, computer work stations, and laundry rooms with washers and dryers. Other amenities include pharmacy with onsite pharmacist, 24-hour emergency service, and much more. When selecting a senior living apartment, do a quick check on factors like; are the residents friendly? Is there a walking trail nearby? What is the crime rate of the neighborhood? Are there any local community centers (a church group etc) nearby to maintain a good social life? All these factors can equally contribute to your selection of senior living apartment. You should anyway choose for a senior living apartment that best suits your lifestyle as they are a very good and an inexpensive option to maintain your lifestyle even after you have retired or do not have a steady source of income.
  • Redefine your business with Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Double Cab
    A multitasking vehicle in the real sense, the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Double Cab configurations and features will surprise you. The two–door, four-door, and big four doors are the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Double Cab configurations. Different variants of Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Double Cab come with different engine capabilities with 285 hp 4.3 liter V6, 355-hp 5.3 liter V8 and 420 hp 6.2-liter V8 engines being the options available. For achieving maximum fuel economy, the engines automatically shut down the cylinders, whenever the need arises. These engines except for 420 hp engine come with the six-speed automatic transmission which offers maximum power at minimum fuel consumption, whenever the situation warrants so. Many additional amenities have also been added to the latest variant of Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Double Cab, which means that the vehicle comes equipped with heated leather wrapped steering wheel along with power adjustable pedals and a driver alerting alarm. This package of warning alarm includes multiple dimensions of driver and passenger safety including collision alert, low-speed automated braking system and automatic high beams and a vibrating seat which alerts whenever the vehicle is in danger of collision. Much work has been done to maintain the inner elegance of Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Double Cab. There is less motion for the passengers when the Silverado 1500 is passing through a rough patch of soil. Moreover, work has been done on making the control panel of Chevrolet Silverado 1500 simple. Care has also been taken to make the vehicle luxurious for the driver and the passengers alike. Heated and ventilated seats, power adjustable pedals, touch screen display, Wi-Fi connectivity and facility for wireless phone charging has been included. Owing to the recent as well as the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Double Cab configurations, it is a perfect purchase for someone looking for a reliable vehicle which can cater to business needs in the rough outdoors. Moreover, due to the latest and the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Double Cab configurations, the vehicle is equally capable of being used for a family picnic. And your loved ones will always cherish that one drive which you take them to in your Silverado 1500 Double Cab after taking some time off from your busy work schedule.
  • The benefits of faux wood blinds
    The machinery utilized in the mass production of soft furnishings and furniture has increased considerably. Machines that were capable of replicating the nuances in a rough and approximate way now have the ability to create close matches. The finishes are perfectly matched so that average people cannot tell them apart. Faux wood blinds can be described as one of those furnishings that have gained a lot of benefits due to the revolutionary technological advancements. They are produced using composite PVC in place of real wood. PVC is an unbelievably flexible material and it also has excellent longevity. If you have children at your home, these types of wood blinds are a very good option. Get blinds from the best manufacturers Faux versions are extremely cheaper compared to wooden blinds. There is a drastic difference in price. It is a fact that faux versions offer a lot of advantages, but a good number of people still prefer the original wood. It is because of the fact that they might have had a bad experience by dealing with a substandard manufacturer. A lot of things rely on the manufacturer. Highly competent manufacturers are famous for producing fabulous finishes that are capable of replicating the intricacies of a high-quality wood finish. If you are thinking about installing a set of blinds made using faux wood, you must approach a well known and reliable manufacturer. Certain blinds may get discolored when exposed to intense sunlight and this aspect adversely affects the finish quality. Some vital factors to consider while buying blinds Faux wood blinds are a bit heavier than the original wood versions. If you are trying to cover a large bay window, you should buy separate blinds for every section. Large blinds may weigh down heavily on the head rail and this condition can lead to breakage. If you want to achieve a specific look, you have plenty of options to select from. You can select your blinds by stain, color or wood. This approach comes handy when you are searching for blinds to complement the current look of the room. Faux sets are a good option and to a great extent; they mimic the finish of the real wood. Although you cannot expect the original character and charm of real wood; faux versions are really good and you must find out a reputed manufacturer to get the best item you need. The price factor plays a prominent role in making these items extremely popular and many people have been using these products in their living rooms. Today, leading online stores offer a lot of options and with proper maintenance; you can make purchasing faux blinds a sound investment.
  • Guide for buying men’s snow boots
    Most of us would assume that snow boots and winter boots are same. Both of them do protect you from the cold. However, the definition of cold becomes subjective when it starts to snow. If you are a man who has had to step into the snow to shovel, you would know what we are talking about. Winter boots are fashionable, no doubt. But walking with wet feet and damp fur aren't glamorous at all! Snow boots can save you from the biting cold and the illness that is sure to follow. There are many features of the snow boot that distinguish it from winter boots. Most men end up wearing whatever keeps the feet warm, but functionality plays a big role. Next time you go out to buy snow boots, keep these tips in mind: Hundred Percent Waterproof The distinctive feature of a snow boot is that it is completely waterproof. The design of men's snow boot is such that it can deal with the harshest snow conditions. For instance, Sorel Men's Intrepid Explorer boots offer great insulation against heavy snow. That's because the exterior of the boot is a waterproof, PU backed, synthetic textile. The outer sole is rubber providing great traction on slippery pavements and pathways. Materials like nylon and PU synthetic tend to keep your feet warm and dry. So look for men's snow boots that offer a hundred percent water proofing. Look For Rubber Soles Snow boots can have different bases, but rubber soles ensure durability in rain and slush. Leather soles in men snow boots might look better but rubber soles offer better traction. You will need traction when you are out in sub-zero temperature. Something like the Columbia Men's Bugaboot Snow boot fits the criteria of a good snow boot with a rubber sole. Snow boots with vulcanized rubber out sole and waxed exterior will work well in heavy snow. So ditch the leather in snow and choose something with rubber to get a good grip on icy walkways. Inner Lining Insulation is the main criteria for a snow boot. Woolen socks will make your feet perspire and the lining of your boot will be affected adversely by this. Thin-insulation or a thin nylon and fur lining inside the snow boot will keep your feet warm. Ensure to check the the lining is removable and made from a lightweight material. It is important in case the inside of your boot does become wet, it can be dried off quick. The inner lining of snow boots should offer you warmth as well as insulation against both the cold and the wet snow. Look for something like Kamik Men's Nationplus boots. These offer both insulation and waterproofing. Keep these points in mind when buying men's snow boots and you will not feel cold and wet in winter anymore!
  • Sweeping some stakes? Some do’s and dont’s
    Sweepstakes are the easiest way to make some quick bucks and win some goodies along the way. Have you been coveting a really cool coffeemaker at IKEA? What about a really nice high-brand watch you spotted on Instagram? Or may be an elegant hobo bag? You win have all of these and more by entering sweepstakes. Sweepstakes, though rarely make billionaires, but they definitely can get you smaller but equally cool prizes. You will find a lot of sweepstakes contests online. Also, if you follow your favorite brands on their various social media channels, you find that they usually run sweepstakes, which are also called giveaways, during a new product launch. Entering sweepstakes is pretty easy. However, increasing your chances of winning one requires you to follow a certain disciplined method. Here is a list of a few do's and dont's that will increase your odds of winning:
    • Participating in a sweepstakes contest is a game of patience and some faith. You cannot expect to win at the first contest that you enter. Hang out there a bit. Wait it out. You will have a dry spell before you hit your winning streak.
    • With patience, enter as many sweepstakes as possible. Participate in the ones which have the highest probability to giving you a prize. For instance, sweepstakes with short time frame will have less number of participant since the date of entry will expire even before a lot of people get to know about the contest. Try entering for sweepstakes that have more prizes. More prizes means more winners.
    • It is necessary to carefully read the rules before entering a sweepstakes contest. Otherwise, you might get disqualified. It is quite disappointing to learn later on they you were not eligible for entering the contest just because you missed out on a tiny rule. Some sweepstakes have additional terms and conditions for participating. Make sure that you meticulously read these terms and understand them well. You do not want to lose on an opportunity to win a fabulous prize just because you did not read the terms and conditions of the sweepstakes.
    • When the winners of a sweepstakes contest are announced, the win is valid only for a certain period of time that can range from a few hour to a day. These contests require winners to claim their prizes immediately. Otherwise a new winner is chosen. Respond to win as quickly as you can so that you do not miss out on your coveted prize. Keep track of all your sweepstakes entries and note down the dates when they intend to declare the results. Check out the results on the given date and in case of a win contact the sponsor of the sweepstakes immediately.