Real Estate Agent In Phoenix, AZ Specializing In First-Time Homebuyers

First-time homebuyers real estate agent in Phoenix, Laura Boyajian, has been helping buyers purchase their first homes for 22 years.

She 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 real estate market in Phoenix regularly shifts between buyer’s, seller’s and balanced market conditions. The length of time each market lasts can vary, with plenty of in-between as the pendulum swings from one to another.

Those changes can affect pricing, competition, negotiating leverage and the overall home buying strategy. Hiring the right real estate agent to navigate these market shifts is more important now than ever.

From Renting to Owning: Building More Than a Place to Live

For many renters, buying a first home is the moment money starts moving in a different direction. Instead of monthly payments disappearing into someone else’s property, each mortgage payment can help build equity, ownership and long-term financial strength.

A first home does not have to be perfect to be powerful. It can be the starting point, the first foothold, the first real asset and the first step toward a future with more stability, more choices and a stronger financial foundation.

Are You a First-Time Homebuyer and Wondering Where to Begin?

Are you a first-time homebuyer wondering where to begin? Let me help you get into your first home! I LOVE working with first-time homebuyers and getting them into homeownership.

First-Time Homebuyers Guide by a Licensed Real Estate Agent In Phoenix, AZ

Buying a Phoenix home, especially 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 Laura Boyajian, a Phoenix First-Time Homebuyers REALTOR®

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 an ethical real estate agent who actually takes ethics and fiduciary duty seriously.

Hiring a Real Estate Agent Who Specializes in Helping First-Time Homebuyers In Phoenix

Real estate transactions can seem daunting, even to the experienced buyer. Hiring a Real Estate Agent who specializes in helping first-time homebuyers, especially when buying a historic Phoenix home, is a crucial 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.

When Buying a Historic Phoenix Home, It’s Much Different Than Buying a Newer Home

If you’re considering buying a historic Phoenix home, it’s 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. Avoiding historic homes with hidden defects or even visible defects such as structural issues that the untrained eye would miss takes experience. 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 and negotiating the purchase price.

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. I’ll also guide you on when to walk away from certain homes that may not be a smart purchase.

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 the form of financial 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.

Interest Rate Buydowns

When interest rates are higher, negotiating an interest 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 important mechanical items such as electrical panels, roof condition, plumbing, and all 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 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 you must know what’s going on underneath the house or 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. Both materials can crack, collapse, get flaky 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 and agents overlook.

Why First-Time Homebuyers Need a Real Estate Agent Who Knows Not Every House Is Worth the Buying Headache

There are times when a house has too many issues and just isn’t worth the buying headache. As a first-time homebuyer agent, I will always be honest with you about each home. 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

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

A Real Estate Agent Who Helps Get First-Time Homebuyers In Phoenix Prequalified and Preapproved for a Home Loan

It’s highly recommended that first-time homebuyers begin by pre-qualifying for a loan with a mortgage lender. More importantly, get preapproved for a home loan. It’s important to know the difference. I’ll help you get preapproved for your first home purchase.

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 homebuyer program options that you’ve probably never heard of.

I specialize in 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.

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

In an effort to attract first-time homebuyers, lenders will sometimes offer several affordable mortgage options. They 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 first-time 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. The guidelines can frequently change so most of them are not listed here, but here are some options:

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Loan Options for First-Time Homebuyers

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac support conventional mortgage programs that can offer low down payment options to qualified homebuyers. Current Fannie Mae HomeReady and Freddie Mac Home One options can go as low as 3% down.

FHA and Low Down Payment Conventional Loan Options Offer Minimum Down Payments for First-Time Homebuyers in Phoenix

Some conventional loan programs offer down payments as low as 3%. Other government agencies can help as well, such as the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). FHA loans can require as little as 3.5% down for qualified borrowers.

They’re generally easier to qualify for. You can also get a conventional loan from a private lender. Many times, lenders will offer special discounts to first-time homebuyers.

Locally Developed First-Time Homebuyer Programs Help With a Real Estate Agent

Keep in mind, many first-time buyer programs are locally developed and administered. State or local communities are often much more likely to have a program available than a national or federal program. I can guide and help you to find out if you qualify for one of the many programs available.

Additional Information for First-Time Homebuyers with a Real Estate Agent In Phoenix

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

THE HOME BUYING PROCESS

If you’re a first-time home seller and considering selling your Phoenix home, contact me for a no obligation consultation.