Venturing into home ownership can be overwhelming, especially for first-time buyers. Reflecting on my experience, I wish I had known several key insights before making the leap.

Recently, my boyfriend and I found ourselves in our cramped apartment, dealing with yet another leak from our roof. Tired of costly repairs and the inconvenience of renting, we decided it was time to embrace home ownership.

If you’re contemplating this journey, congratulations! While it’s a significant commitment, it’s also thrilling. To ease your concerns and boost your confidence, here are some lessons I learned while buying my first home.

Don’t Hesitate to Ask About Quick Move-In Options

We were fortunate with our home search. After exploring new builds, we discovered that the construction process typically takes over 10 months, especially with current supply chain challenges. Our builder experienced a buyer back out just 45 days before completion, leaving a nearly finished home available for immediate occupancy. We loved the layout and options already chosen, which worked out perfectly for us. I wish I had known to inquire about these quick move-in homes sooner. Many builders have what they call “quick move-ins,” which can save you time and expenses. In our case, we benefited from having the builder cover most closing costs, saving us over $10,000!

Negotiate for Additional Perks with Your Offer

Buying a home is one of the largest investments you’ll make. It’s essential to maximize your return. Typically, homes don’t come with appliances, which can be a shock for first-time buyers who are used to renting. My previous apartments always included appliances, so I didn’t account for this added expense. When we made our offer, we requested new appliances, and to our delight, it was accepted! We received appliances worth about $6,000, which was a fantastic bonus.

If you’re not buying new construction, don’t hesitate to ask sellers if they’re willing to leave appliances behind. Just because you saw them during the viewing doesn’t mean they’ll be included unless specified in the contract.

Select Any Realtor You Prefer

Many people have friends or family in real estate. We had several trustworthy contacts but didn’t realize we’d signed with our builder’s realty team, which meant we couldn’t choose our own agent. By the time we figured this out, it was too late. The builder’s team earned a commission for minimal involvement in our transaction. Don’t feel pressured to use a suggested realtor; you have the right to choose someone who genuinely cares about your needs.

Double-Check Your Closing Payment

This may sound trivial, but trust me; it’s crucial. On closing day, you must bring the final payment check to your attorney or realtor. Ensure everything is accurate — the name and amount must be spot on. I learned this the hard way when I had to rush to the bank to fix a mistake on my cashier’s check. It was stressful, and you don’t want that on closing day!

Celebrate Your Achievement!

You did it! Take a moment to relish in your accomplishment. Purchasing a home is a remarkable milestone, and it often represents years of hard work and dedication to your financial health. After receiving our keys, we celebrated with family and popped champagne in our backyard. Capture those memories because this is your new beginning.