Advice for first-time home buyers Birmingham AL

First-timers have a lot of ground to cover -- from learning about market conditions to landing the best loan. Here are some "Dos" and "Don'ts" to help simplify the process.

by Broderick Perkins
© 2008 DeadlineNews.Com

Deadline Newsroom - If you are a first time home buyer, you have a lot to learn.

Working from a blank slate you must build an understanding of the housing market, determine what you can afford, land a loan and hone in on a home that's a good fit for your lifestyle.

The transaction will likely become your largest asset ever so there's little room for error.

It is a daunting task, but you can ease your concerns if you take the process step-by-step, watching your footing as you move along the path toward the American Dream.

To that end, Coldwell Banker recently released a list of "Dos and Don'ts" to help first timers turn that stress into the self-confidence you'll need to move closer to your first home. DeadlineNews.Com tossed in some additional hints and useful links to keep you on the straight and narrow.

The list focuses on areas first-timers typically stumble over in their initial home buying attempt. Knowing what you could face will help you avoid some of those trip ups.

The Dos

• DO browse for housing information. Begin your search by arming yourself with information. For example, Coldwell Banker's the Home Price Comparison Index allows you to compare average housing costs in over 400 U.S. markets. RealtyTimes Market Conditions gives you a snapshot of thousands of local markets. About.com's Home Buying/Selling section is chock full of the nitty gritty insight you'll need to get going. Stick with the known, long-time real estate information Web sites and you'll learn more than you need to know. ...

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