First time Homebuying Tips

ZANESVILLE, Ohio — June is National Homeownership Month and the Ohio Department of Commerce is sharing tips and red flags for first-time homebuyers.

A lot goes into finding that perfect house: verifying an agent’s credentials, double-checking the validity of a home’s information and condition, and making sure to steer clear of fraudulent listings. All of these steps help make your journey to homeownership smoother.

“A lot of times people think that an agent just finds the house and opens the door but that’s just the beginning of the process. You want an agent in your corner who is looking out for your best interest not only to negotiate your offer but to utilize their expertise regarding property values, development going on in the area, neighborhoods and schools and what to negotiate, renegotiate in your offer from the findings from a home inspection,” said Daphne Hawk superintendent of the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing.

There are many tips and tricks, but the Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing urges first-time buyers to set realistic budgets, do thorough research and not skip important steps like the home inspection.

“You want to talk with your agent about buying a new build vs an existing home, and the pros and cons there, consider your wants and needs. We’d all like to live in a castle but we all can’t afford that. You’ll also want to make sure you prioritize a home inspection. This is one step you do not want to skip, otherwise you will have some regrets after the closing if you skip that important step,” Hawk said.

Being a smart shopper and following this key advice could save you from major concerns down the line.

For more information or tips and tricks, please visit Department of Commerce | Ohio.gov | Ohio Department of Commerce.