Congratulations on your marriage! Now that the honeymoon is over, it's time to walk hand-in-hand into the next chapter of your lives! If you're ready to buy a house together, our real estate agents know exactly how excited you are to start picking out your dream home. While we are here to help you through the home buying process fromviewing through closing, we also want to help you responsibly prepare for this purchase. We've put together this handy homebuying guide for newlyweds to follow.

1. Don't rush!
   Buying a house is a significant accomplishment, and although you may be ready to start this new chapter together in a new home, this is another major life decision that you don't want to rush. Remember that buying a home is not like planning a wedding — there is no exact date that you need to have everything ready. Take your time and responsibly prepare so that you can make your home buying goals a reality.
   
   
2. Save responsibly.
   Budget, budget, budget! Sticking to a responsible budget will help you save up the funds you need for your home. Keep in mind; you'll need more than just the down payment. Along with other fees in the transaction itself, you should also expect to spend thousands of dollars after you purchase the home. Repairs, remodeling, new furniture, moving expenses — the list goes on and on. There will be plenty left to purchase after the sale is complete. One great way to save is by putting money away in two separate accounts: one account for the home purchase and another as a nest egg for what you'll need after.
   
   
3. Understand the importance of debt and credit.
   Although having the cash-in-hand to put a down payment on a house is a great accomplishment, you'll still need to take on other financially responsible habits to obtain a loan. Improve your credit score well-above the minimum you'll need to secure a loan. Slow and steady is what wins this race, but thankfully if you've followed Step #1, you're already willing to wait until you have a credit score that can help you get a great loan. Keep in mind that paying off debt will help this process, but you'll still need to care for your credit score in other ways.
   
   
4. Be realistic about your home desires.
   Before you seek out a real estate agent, get a detailed idea of what type of home you will want to afford. This is tougher than it sounds. You'll be in this home potentially for most of your adult life which may include pets or kids and career or lifestyle changes. Not only do you need to find a house that will accommodate your growing life, but you'll also need to make sure you can still afford the home when other expenses, emergencies or changes spring up.
   
   
5. Create a list of home needs and home wants.
   You may want a swimming pool, but you may need a home that will accommodate aging parents. Make a list of necessities so you know what must be featured in the home. Then make a list of desires, ranked from most wanted to least, so that you can compromise on what you can and cannot live without.
   
   
6. Understand the importance of a great real estate agent.
   A knowledgeable and experienced real estate agent is a priceless resource. They'll help you every step of the way and even offer advice that may help you make the home of your dreams a reality.

If you and your spouse would like more tips and help while you're buying your first home, contact us today!