Your 5 Steps to Home Buying Preparedness

28 Nov 2017 by Hillary Gaynor

Making the switch from renting to owning your own home means knowing your finances and preparing for one of the largest investments you will ever make. The whole process around buying your first house can feel intimidating, daunting, and like going in circles…unless you’re prepared. So much to consider. So many things to remember. So many things to ask. Being an informed and prepared home buyer will put you at ease plus start you towards building your buying power.

But where to start if you’re located around the New Hampshire seacoast and Southern Maine area? Right here, with Bean Group.

Step 1: Mortgage Payments. Determine how much you can afford. Use our mortgage calculator tool to estimate your monthly mortgage payments. Take a close look at your budget. Make an appointment with a financial advisor or bank representative to explore how much house you can comfortably afford.

Step 2: Property Taxes and Homeowner’s Insurance Payments. Keep these two costs in mind when determining your house shopping budget. An option is combining these amounts into your monthly mortgage payment.

Step 3: Your Ability to Maintain Your Property. Start a good habit of saving some funds monthly for maintenance, repairs, or any home emergencies. Knowing you have designated funds set aside for keeping your home well maintained and those unknowns that pop-up will give you peace of mind.

Step 4: Having a Decent Credit Record. Request a copy of your credit report. The three credit bureaus—Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax—will provide to you a free report once a year. If you notice something that is inaccurate or needs cleaning up make these updates or changes before applying for a mortgage loan. Remedy any old debts or late payments to boost your overall credit score.

Step 5: Partnering with an Experienced Real Estate Agent. An experienced realtor will listen to you and seek to understand your needs. This agent will be reachable and knowledgeable of the market they represent. You can count on your agent to be professional and capable of helping you navigate through all the details and processes while always keeping your best interest forefront. Your agent has a wealth of resources and information available to assist you through the whole buying process.

Buying your first home is exhilarating. You’re preparing to start a new chapter of your life in a new location. Let’s do it well. Knowing these five things beforehand positions you steps closer to a real yard, bigger closets, the freedom to decorate however you please, and possibly a shorter commute, or more eco-friendly living.

Have questions or simply need a hand getting started? Reach out to Hillary Gaynor to get the conversation started. The Bean Group has real estate listings spanning the New Hampshire seacoast and Southern Maine area.

Hillary Gaynor

I grew up in Centerbrook, CT so I am a New England girl at heart. I moved out to Washington State to attend college and received my degree in psychology. While in Washington, I developed a deep passion for the outdoors including golfing, biking, hiking, kayaking, and skiing. I even climbed Mt. Adams and Mt. Rainier. I moved to New Hampshire in 2002 to attend UNH in which I received my master’s degree as a Marriage and Family Therapist. I worked as a therapist for a while at a state agency. I eventually decided to make an important life change and pursue my interest in real estate. I was interested in real estate investing and this led me to get my real estate license. It felt like the perfect balance of being able to still focus on helping others and my other passion of real estate. My husband, Jamie, is a geologist and works for an environmental company. We have two daughters and currently live in Stratham, NH.

Hillary decided to become a Realtor because she has a genuine passion and excitement for real estate and for helping people. With Hillary’s general personality and her background of being a therapist she is really able to assist you through your real estate transaction, which can be a stressful and complicated process, but also enjoyable. One of her greatest assets is her ability to listen. Hillary will listen to your needs and concerns and will work with you to achieve your goal. Hillary has exceptional communication skills, which can also help in the negotiation process. It is important to Hillary to build relationships with trust and respect, not only with her clients but also with other people that she works with. Hillary understands and will be part of the entire real estate transaction and be present to your needs, so that you have less anxiety and get the most from the process, a successful deal! Whether you are selling, purchasing, or investing; with Hillary’s experience and knowledge of real estate and market conditions and her overall enjoyment for real estate and working with people, she can and will provide you with great real estate deals again and again!

When we are working together; I will -

listen seek to understand your needs, concerns, motivations, expectations, and your individual situations
be available to you and reachable
be committed to helping you and reaching your goals
be competent in helping you make important decisions provide professional help in managing the details
always keep you informed through the real estate process
provide education about the process and the events that will occur during the transaction
work to ensure that each transaction progresses smoothly and in a timely manner
provide information and a comfortable environment for you to make important decisions

I am an exceptional communicator and negotiator. Whether you are selling, purchasing, or investing – I will use my knowledge and experience of the current real estate market conditions to give you a great real estate deal every time.