FAQs for the First-time Homebuyer
We've assembled some of the most frequently asked questions that HomeSweetHomeAnswers.com has received from our members about the home buying process. Hope you enjoy this information - we've even included links to some special information below.
Or you can click on the links to some of our popular Blog topics.
Coming soon - - - links to our videoblogs - interviews with Professionals in the home buying business.
Q: What initially inspired you to write all this info down?
HSH: Actually, it was my personal search process as I tried to find MY OWN very first home! My Dad was no longer here to me to walk me through the process, my husband was (of course) my “ex” and because of “foolish pride” I wouldn’t ask any of my guy friends to come along for my Sunday afternoon Open House excursions! I determined as I looked at all those homes that I was going to try to make someone else’s journey down the road to homeownership a little less intimidating.
Q: How long have you been helping others find their “dream home?”
HSH: I’ve had many friends through the years with whom we would have long discussions about what we did and did NOT like about the homes we would visit – so as far as helping goes, I will count about 20+ years of experience in that regard. When it came to finding the first home I bought with my husband, I admit that it probably took us at least 6 months of showings and Open Houses! However, I am NOT a realtor, therefore I have no professional experience in finding homes for someone else. I leave that type of activity to members of the Professional Team!
Q: Why do you make a point about assembling a “Professional Team?”
HSH: At various times in our lives, we all have to wear our humbleness hat and admit that we do NOT know everything there is to know about EVERYTHING! Finding and purchasing a home is one of those subjects. Your Professional Team will include people who have more experience, insight and professional knowledge about the entire process – and selecting people you can have confidence in will make the entire home-buying experience rewarding.
Q: Where did you get all of the information for the e-book?
HSH: Now that is a writer’s dream question! There were hours of research on the internet, in the library, lots of questions to MY Professional Team members, questions posed to other professionals I’ve met over the years and an amazing group of friends who contributed questions for the topics, reviewed the subject matter and edited many versions of the book.
Can any homebuyer use the information in the “Home Sweet Home” e-book?
HSH: While the original idea for the book was to empower women who may not have had any experience in find and purchasing their own home, it can easily be used by young couples, men and even seasoned homebuyers. No matter who pages through our e-book, we know you will find a nugget or two that will help you get through the process. Inside are worksheets on doing your own ameteur home inspection, calculating how much of a payment YOU can afford, an inventory list to use when getting moving estimates and info on what goes on in the financing process.
Q: What is the most popular worksheet in the e-book?
HSH: I like to think that all of the worksheets provided in the e-book have equal value to those whom USE them! But quite honestly, we have had the most comments about the “My Home Inspection” worksheet. While that worksheet took the most research and time to create, it is a pretty comprehensive look at what a homebuyer should be aware of looking for BEFORE they fall in love with the house they THINK is the home of their dreams. It is one of our deepest desires to provide information to the first-time homebuyer that will give them the tools to determine if they truly WANT the home they’re looking at BEFORE it becomes a money pit!
Q: Have people whom have used the e-book process had success in finding the ‘home of their dreams?’
HSH: People will always have success in finding the home of their dreams – the real question is, after living in the “home of their dreams” for a year, was the homebuyer still satisfied with their decision to buy the house they did. We’re still waiting to hear – maybe those homebuyers are just having so much fun in their new homes they don’t have the time to tell us! We sure hope that’s the case!
