Tips on buying your 1st home?

Yes! Take those classes first. you will learn so much. I took 3 different home buying classes(even though I thought i knew alot about home buying) and i learned so much! The grants and stuff can vary state by state and county by county and even city by city. For instance...In sacramento, if you make a certain income and have a disabled family member, you can get a 4% 30 year fixed and also 20% down payment assistance(up to 40,000 dollars) in the form of a silent second simple interest loan. (meaning you dont have to make monthly payments on it) and you only have to pay it back when you sell the house. There are tons of silent seconds out there, but you really gotta look. If you are in California, i recommend googling CALHFA. That has tons of programs in it. If you live in another state, you will have to just do research online.

Like peilhet... take the classes. When you start buying buy a small casual home. Make sure it's in good condition. Your Limit of spending should be no higher than what you can afford. The neighborhood must be safe an you'll need to look for good schools and jobs. The interior like tables don't count. You're not buying that!

When I decided to buy my first home the first two things I did were to get pre-qualified for a loan and find a trustworthy real estate agent. Your agent should walk you through the whole home buying process. Mine went to loan appointments with me, showed me a TON of houses and was there to "hold my hand" when I filled out the closing documents. Make sure when you work on the loan thing that you get multiple quotes. Rates can vary from bank to bank and such. I ended up getting the best loan rates from Countrywide. Also, make sure that nobody talks you in to a ARM, adjustable rate mortgage. They are no good. Also steer clear of prepayment penalties.

Good luck with your adventure. Being a homeowner is great, I'm sure you will love it.

I work in real estate and one company I have always heard good things about is Taylor Morrison. They are a very good company to work with, especially when buying your first home. THey also have a contest you can enter right now when you register in your area that gives you the chance to win a dream vacation and even money towards a down payment on your first home. Just follow this link: http://dreambig.taylormorrison.com/?utm_source=bc

when you enter the site click the area you live in on the left and register to enter.