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Kevin Crampton Midland's Real Estate Educator

First-time buyer tips

Buying your first home is a big step. These are the things Kevin wishes every first-time buyer knew before they started.

Before you start looking

  • Get your finances in view first

    Pull your credit, total your monthly debts, and know how much you have for a down payment and closing costs. Touring homes you can't finance only leads to disappointment.

  • Get pre-approved, not just pre-qualified

    Pre-qualification is a rough estimate. Pre-approval means a lender has actually reviewed your documents. Sellers take pre-approved buyers seriously.

  • Budget for more than the price

    Closing costs, inspections, moving, and the first round of repairs and furniture all add up. Leave room so you're not stretched thin on day one.

While you're shopping

  • Separate wants from needs

    Write down what you truly need versus what would be nice. It keeps emotion in check when you walk into a home with great paint and bad bones.

  • Look past the staging

    Furniture leaves with the seller. Focus on layout, light, the roof, the mechanicals, and the location — the things you can't easily change.

  • Pay attention to the neighborhood

    Drive it at different times of day. Check the commute. The house can be perfect and the location still wrong for your life.

  • Don't skip the unglamorous stuff

    Furnace age, roof age, water heater, electrical panel, and signs of water. These quietly cost the most money.

Making the offer and closing

  • Make a competitive but disciplined offer

    Price matters, but so do terms — financing strength, contingencies, and timelines. A good agent helps you compete without overpaying.

  • Always get an inspection

    An inspection is your window to walk away or renegotiate. Know what it covers and what it doesn't before you waive anything.

  • Read everything before you sign

    Ask about anything you don't understand. There's no such thing as a dumb question when you're signing a 30-year commitment.

  • Don't make big money moves before closing

    Don't open new credit, change jobs, or make large purchases between pre-approval and closing. It can derail your loan at the worst moment.

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