Find A Realtor® Who Specializes in First-Time Homebuyers

There’s a first time for everything. Buying your first home is exciting—but it can also be overwhelming. That’s why it’s important to partner with a Realtor who specializes in helping first-time homebuyers. They will better understand your current position, already know the questions you’re thinking, and even answer those you haven’t thought about yet.

Let’s explore why it’s beneficial to work with a specialized Realtor, look at key questions to ask when considering an agent, and highlight all the valuable insights and assistance Realtors provide before you make the biggest investment of your life. 

Why Choose a Realtor Specializing in First-Time Homebuyers?

First-time homebuyers don’t know what they don’t know and often face unique challenges. A specialized Realtor brings the expertise needed to make the process less overwhelming and more enjoyable.

Personalized Guidance

The right Realtor will understand the intricacies of the process and can offer personalized guidance, ensuring you make informed decisions aligned with your goals and financial capabilities.

Knowledge of Helpful Programs to Assist Your Specific Needs

Specialized Realtors have access to a range of support initiatives designed for first-time homebuyers. These encompass, among other things, down payment assistance programs, financial guidance, and mortgage lending options such as TruePath Mortgage. Each program aims to ease the pathway of homeownership for you.

Realtors specializing in first-time buyers understand your specific situation, having navigated it with many other clients before you. Leveraging their experience, they are dedicated to linking you with the most suitable programs tailored to your needs.

Financial Guidance

A great Realtor will help you understand your financial readiness. They will explain mortgage options and help secure pre-approval. Remember, just because you’re pre-approved for a certain amount doesn’t mean you should buy a house at that full amount. There are plenty of expenses in homeownership, and you don’t want to suddenly become “house-poor.”

Education on the Homebuying Process

Realtors are here to walk buyers through each step of the homebuying process—clarifying any legal or contractual aspects along the way so you can make a completely informed decision.

So, how do you select the best real estate agent for you? Ask questions.

Essential Questions to Ask Potential Realtors

Experience with First-Time Homebuyers

• How many first-time homebuyers have you assisted?
• Can you share client success stories from other first-time buyers you've helped?

Knowledge of the Local Market

• How well do you know the local market, especially in areas of interest for first-time buyers?
• Are there available down payment assistance programs in our region?
• What tools are available to research different neighborhoods? Be aware, there are questions your Realtor can’t answer, too. 

Communication and Availability

• What is your preferred mode of communication, and how frequently can I expect updates?
• How do you handle communication outside regular business hours?

Education and Guidance

• How do you assist first-time homebuyers in understanding the homebuying process?
• Can you provide resources or workshops to enhance my knowledge?
• Is there anything I should absolutely avoid doing during this process?

Home Tours

• What should I look for when touring a home?
• How many homes are you willing to show us?
• How many homes do buyers typically see before they make an offer?

How to Take the Next Step

The journey to homeownership is a major one, but hopefully memorable for all the right reasons. As you move into this exciting chapter of your life, consider partnering with a Realtor who has experience working with first-time homebuyers. The Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity Realtor Network is here to help you find yours.