First Time Homebuyer

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Team Erickson represents YOU in BUYING a HOME!

Team Erickson is dedicated to guiding first-time homebuyers through every step of the home-buying journey. We understand that purchasing your first home can be overwhelming, so we prioritize clear communication and personalized support. Whether out for a showing, using TER online resources, or staying up to date with customized emails, Team Erickson will support your buying journey from start to finish. Larry Erickson helps every one of his clients by tailoring to their wants and needs. As a TEAM we'll find your perfect home, including location, amenities, and style! 

Engage in your own Financial
Preparation

Understanding your finances is a critical first step when purchasing a property. First, personally assess your financial situation. Including your credit score, current assets, debt, savings, and other living-related costs. A great starting point is to consider how much you can save for a down payment, then take action to build a budget that reflects your goals. Team Erickson Realtors can help guide you through this process, as well as connect you with industry-leading loan officers and mortgage lenders to evaluate your situation. Starting this process early will make you well-equipped to start your home-buying journey!

View and evaluate Potential Homes

Equipped with your home buying criteria, Larry Erickson can help you begin the search for homes. Don't get discouraged during this process. You will know when its the right one!

Are you still unsure of what you want in a home?

...as you evaluate listings and view homes, consider community and neighborhood amenities such as the following:

  • Access to health care
  • Proximity to recreational opportunities & cultural amenities
  • Consider the size, layout, and style
  • Access to grocery stores, services, and shopping
  • Proximity to highways and airports

Steps in home buying

1. Broker Agency

Broker agency refers to the relationship between a real estate broker and their clients. For first-time homebuyers, it's important to know that if you hire a broker as your buyer's agent, they represent your interests throughout the home buying process. They help you find suitable properties, negotiate offers, and navigate the paperwork. Understanding this relationship ensures you have dedicated support focused on your needs, making the home-buying journey smoother and more successful.

Larry Erickson/Team Erickson Realtors works alongside Weichert Realtors Advantage to give you the best experience!

2. Pre-Qualification

Housing pre-qualification is an essential step for first-time homebuyers. It involves providing a lender with basic financial information to estimate how much you can afford to borrow. This process gives you a clear idea of your budget and strengthens your position when making an offer on a home. Pre-qualification helps streamline the home-buying process, making it easier to focus on properties within your price range. Team Erickson Realtors can best help you connect with a lender and provide information on financial assistance programs.

3. Home Search

This is the FUN part! Consider all the important aspects to have within and near your home. As you and Team Erickson Realtors start visiting homes, communicate your must-haves and nice-to-haves. It's always great to explore various cities, neighborhoods, house styles, and layouts to understand and visualize exactly what you want. Larry Erickson will help with this process, as well as stay up to date by sending upcoming and active listings. Take your time in this process and trust your instincts!

4. Offer Process

Team Erickson Realtors will help you submit a formal proposal to purchase a home after finding one you love. Larry will help you determine a competitive offer price based on market conditions and comparable sales. EXPERIENCE COUNTS on this part of the process; TER has represented clients coming from diverse situations and experiences. The offer typically includes terms like contingencies (e.g., financing, inspections) and a proposed closing date. Once submitted, the seller can accept, reject, or counter your offer. Effective communication and negotiation during this stage are crucial to securing the home you want!

5. Due Diligence

Housing due diligence is a critical phase in the home-buying process where buyers and their agent thoroughly investigate a property before finalizing the purchase. This includes conducting home inspections to assess the condition of the property, reviewing title reports for any legal issues, and verifying zoning regulations. Buyers may also research the neighborhood, school districts, and potential future developments. Completing due diligence helps ensure you make an informed decision and avoid unexpected problems after the sale.

The perfect guide to BUYING your first home!

Clients are full of questions when purchasing a property - especially for the first time. Team Erickson Realtors has provided a resources page with frequently asked questions about buying a home! 

Click the button below ↓

Do I Need Title Insurance?

When you buy a home, you’re not just purchasing walls and a roof—you’re also taking ownership of the property’s legal history. Title insurance protects you from unexpected claims, errors, or disputes that may surface after the sale.
It’s a one-time purchase that safeguards your investment for as long as you own your home.

Learn more ↓

Down Payment Assistance Resources

Team Erickson Realtors provides you with an array of real estate resources - including down payment assistance information

To find a comprehensive list of Down Payment Assistance Options in Minnesota and Wisconsin

Click the button below ↓

Note: Team Erickson Realtors makes no representations about the accuracy or completeness of information referenced or included below, nor the quality of services provided by any of the content contributors referenced on this page.