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Buying your first home can feel intimidating! It's a major milestone and investment for you and your life. Although there is a lot to think about when buying your first home, as long as you do your homework it will help streamline the process. First things first: organizing your finances! You will need to check your credit score to make sure you will be approved when you apply for a loan on your new home. The next thing to figure out is how much house you can actually afford. There is a lot that factors into this - the down payment, monthly mortgage, taxes, maintenance, heating and cooling, etc. You will also want to make sure you budget enough for closing costs as well. Get pre-approved for a mortgage. A pre-approval letter will offer you better leverage when house hunting. 

The next big step is finding the right buyer's agent! You want to find someone who knows the area and price point you are looking at well. The appropriate agent will help you find the right home at the right cost. Research the locality you are interested in moving to and check out local Realtors in the area to find one that best suits your needs. Having an agent that knows the area well will make house hunting much easier. Remember, buyer's representation is free!

When looking for home you are looking for a place where you will be potentially investing years of your life. If your budget stacks up and you are ready to purchase, make sure the home you are looking at will be suitable for you in the years to come. What is the neighborhood like? Is it close to schools and amenities? What is the projected growth for the area? How far is the commute to work? Things that may seem easy to manage in the immediate term may grow tiresome over the years to come (such as a daily 30+ minute commute). Long term thinking will help you stay happily housed for many years to come!

Spring is here and with it arrives a fresh, welcome change. This brings a great opportunity to boost your home's curb appeal. Even if you are not looking to sell this season the infographic below offers great insight for sprucing up your home's exterior. Nothing feels better than hitting the refresh button! Check out the tips below for the best ways to renew your home's outer glow.

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It's that time of year again - spring cleaning! Deep cleaning your home during the change of seasons is especially important if you are looking to sell. Buyers will take note, and it will help your home stand out among the competition. A fresh home is an inviting home! Use the tips below to give your home the spring makeover it craves.

Outside

The first thing buyers will notice is the exterior of your home. Make sure the lawn is manicured, shrubbery is trimmed, and flower beds have been weeded. Rake leaves and debris away. If applicable, plant fresh spring flowers such as daffodils. Not only will this add a pop of color to your home's exterior but will also help draw buyers in. Power wash the exterior of your home - winter brings with it dirt and debris that can pile up over time. Wash the outside of your windows to help bring more light into your home. Walkways should be free and clear of any clutter or debris - if necessary make any repairs that will help enhance their appearance and accessibility. Repaint the exterior as necessary as any chipping or worn paint will ward potential buyers away. Stage the yard by putting out a fresh patio set, grill, etc. to help the buyer imagine themselves unwinding after a long day. If you have a pool or hot tub, make sure that it is free and clear of any dirt, debris, algae, and any other winter yuck that may have accumulated.

Inside

The next step is to make sure the interior of your home stacks up. Your home needs to smell fresh! Put a quarter of a lemon down the disposal to get rid of any left over odors. You can rid your fridge of any smells by soaking a cotton ball or two in vanilla and placing inside. Make sure to wash the windows from the inside and switch heavy drapes out for sheers to enhance lighting. Scrub down all baseboards and clean walls where necessary. Steam clean your carpeting and shine up your hardwood and tile. Free your home of clutter by putting away everything except necessities. This will allow your home to feel more spacious and inviting to the buyer. Take whatever steps are necessary to deep clean your home - your effort will be well worth it!