Real Estate Agents In Phoenix, AZ Specializing In First Time Homebuyers

First time homebuyers real estate agent in Phoenix, Laura Boyajian, will help you get a clear and accurate idea of how much you can afford and which financing options are available.

It’s so important to go about it wisely.

The market in Phoenix has now shifted closer to a “buyer’s market.” Hiring the right Realtor is more important now than ever.

Let me help you get into your first home! I LOVE working with first-time homebuyers and helping them get into home ownership.

First Time Homebuyers Guide

Buying your first home is probably one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make.

It’s always important that you FIRST, have a clear idea of how much you can afford.

It’s also important to know which financing options are available to you as you search for a Phoenix home.

Working With An Ethical Real Estate Agent, a First Time Homebuyers Real Estate Agent In Phoenix

I cannot express enough, the importance of working with an ethical real estate agent. When you’ve never purchased a home before, I know it can feel overwhelming. First, let me assure you that I will take that overwhelm off your shoulders. A huge part of this is knowing that you’re working with a Realtor who actually takes ethics seriously.

Hiring a Realtor Specializing in Helping First-Time Homebuyers In Phoenix is a Powerful Asset to Have

Real estate transactions can seem daunting, even to the experienced buyer. Hiring a Realtor specializing in helping first-time homebuyers, especially if buying a historic Phoenix home, is a super important asset to have on your side.

There are a lot of moving parts and protections you’ll need and want. I truly love working with first time homebuyers to help make the transaction smooth and exciting. After all, I was a first time homebuyer once myself.

If you’re buying a Historic Phoenix home, it’s much, much different than buying a newer home or a cookie-cutter home.

There’s a LOT that must be done differently and correctly during the process. Old houses can have hidden defects or even visible defects such as structural issues that the untrained eye would miss. I won’t let you buy a lemon.

There’s More to Buying a Home Than Just the Purchase Price

Buying a home is a big investment, and my job is to help you protect it from day one. That means going far beyond just writing up an offer. I look at every single part of the deal such as where we can save you money, how to limit risk, and what red flags need a second look.

From purchase price to sewer lines, I treat every negotiation like it matters, because it does. And when it comes to older or historic homes, the details are even more important and they must be handled the right way. It’s important to look at the full picture including resale value.

Negotiating Isn’t Just About the Price

When I help buyers negotiate a home purchase, I don’t just look at the purchase price. There are so many other parts of the deal that can save you money if handled the right way. The offer price is just one piece. I look at the full picture, and that includes everything from seller-paid costs to repairs, inspections, interest rate strategies, and even future resale value.

Seller Concessions Can Ease Your Upfront Costs

I always work hard to negotiate seller concessions for you. I love doing this and do it with great success. This is money in form of credits from the seller that can go toward your closing costs and prepaid items like taxes and insurance. It’s a smart way to lower the cash you need to bring in at closing, and I’ve helped many buyers save thousands by negotiating this during the offer process.

Let’s Talk About Interest Rate Buydowns

When interest rates are higher, negotiating a rate buydown can make a big difference. This is where the seller contributes money to help reduce your mortgage interest rate. That means you pay less each month, and over time, it adds up in a big way. Although it’s becoming more popular and common, most buyers still don’t know this is even possible, but I use it often when the timing is right and if you need it or want it.

Inspections Are for More Than Just Cosmetic Flaws

Once we’re under contract, the inspection phase becomes a whole new opportunity to negotiate. I pay close attention to anything that affects function, safety, or code. That includes things like electrical panels, roof condition, plumbing, and major systems. If something’s wrong, I’ll either negotiate for it to be repaired or work to get money credited to you at closing.

Sewer Lines in Older Homes Deserve a Very Close Look

If we’re looking at older or historic Phoenix homes, I always recommend a sewer scope inspection which I can get you for zero cost. I work with with top notch plumbers who specialize in old homes and they will even scope the lines underneath the house.

This is something that almost every agent overlooks. I don’t because if you don’t know what’s going on underneath, you could end up with a big, expensive mess. I won’t let that happen to you.

Clay and Cast Iron Sewer Pipes

Many homes in Central Phoenix, historic or not, still have original clay or cast iron sewer pipes, and both materials can crack, collapse, get flakey or get blocked over time. I’ve negotiated thousands of dollars for sewer repairs or full replacements on behalf of buyers, and I’ll do the same for you if needed. It’s a critical part of due diligence that too many people overlook.

Not Every House is Worth the Headache

There are times when a house has too many issues, and I will always be honest with you about that. If the condition is just too poor or the repairs would outweigh the value, I won’t sugarcoat it. We’ll sit down and have a serious talk about whether it’s worth pursuing or if we’re better off walking away and keeping the search going. I’d rather help you buy the right house than push you into the wrong one.

Everything Is Negotiable When Buying A House, If You Know Where to Look

At the end of the day, my job is to protect your money, your time, and your peace of mind. Almost every part of a real estate deal is negotiable if you know how to approach it. I bring strategy, experience, and a sharp eye to every single transaction, and I’m not afraid to advocate for what you deserve. Negotiating is one of my favorite parts of helping buyers buy a home.

Getting First Time Homebuyers In Phoenix Prequalified and Preapproved for a Home Loan

It’s highly recommended that first time homebuyers begin by first pre-qualifying for a loan with a mortgage lender. But more importantly, getting preapproved for a home loan. It’s important to know the difference.

This way, you can get an estimate of your true buying power. It’s very, very important to figure out how much you can afford on a monthly mortgage payment.

First Time Homebuyer Program Options

There are several first-time home buyer program options that you’ve probably never heard of.

I specialize working with first-time homebuyers and will guide you to these programs helping you connect with the appropriate lender who will treat you with fairness, kindness, ethics and integrity.

And, most of all, a fantastic loan product. Remember, it only takes one program that suits your needs.

Consequently, once you get an idea of how much you can afford, then utilize your mortgage broker to explore the many different home loan programs available.

In an effort to attract first-time home buyers, lenders will sometimes offer several affordable mortgage options. The may help you overcome obstacles that made purchasing a home difficult in the past.

Multiple Programs For First Time Home Borrowers

There are multiple programs for many Phoenix home borrowers who don’t have a lot of money saved for the down payment and closing costs.

Or, maybe have a challenging credit history, long-term debt, or have experienced income irregularities. They change ALL the time so most of them are not listed here, but here are a couple:

Federal Agencies

Many federal agencies such as the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Association, known as Freddie Mac, and the Federal National Mortgage Association, or Fannie Mae, usually offer low down payments to first-time home buyers.

What’s the minimum down payment needed to buy a home?

Usually 3%. FHA is a great option.

FHA Options For First Time Homebuyers

Other government agencies can help as well, like The Federal Housing Administration (FHA). However, the interest rates from these government loans tend to be a bit higher than other types of loans.

But, they’re generally easier to qualify. You can also get a conventional loan from a private lender, like a bank. Many times, lenders will offer special discounts to first-time home buyers.

Locally Developed First-Time Homebuyer Programs

Keep in mind, many first-time buyer programs are locally developed and administered. Your state or local community is much more likely to have a program available than a national or federal program.

Want Additional Information on First Time Home Buying?

For more information on financing your first home, call me, Laura Boyajian, on my cell at (602) 400-0008, for a friendly, no pressure, detailed consultation at no charge to you. You can also email me at HistoricCentralPhoenix@cox.net 

THE HOME BUYING PROCESS

If you’re interested in selling your home, please read my seller’s page.