by Teresa Clontz

Created on: December 21, 2008   Last Updated: November 09, 2010

Purchasing a home is the single largest investment you will ever make. As a first time home buyer, your first step is understanding the buying process. In order to better understand the buying process, contact a Realtor in the area you are planning on purchasing a home.

A good Realtor can offer tips to the first time home buyer that will save time and money. Knowing more about the market and the buying process , the first time home buyer will make better choices when purchasing a home. From financing to choosing home inspectors, your real estate agent is more familiar with the buying process and can offer a lot of good suggestions that will save the first time home buyer in the long run.

After selecting a home in your area of choice, the first time home buyer must then make arrangements for a home inspection. When choosing a home inspector, ask first to see a copy of their contract and what the contract covers. A first time home buyer will want to have the following systems checked by the inspector.

1. The Roof - Make sure the roof is in good shape and there are no missing shingles. Keeping moisture out of the house is a major concern. A good roof will have shingles that are lying down and not curling at the edges.

2. The foundation - The foundation should be dry and easily accessible if the house is on a crawl space. All wooden members should be intact and not show signs of moisture and or rot. A home inspector will also have the termite company look at the foundation and or crawl space for signs of termites. A strong foundation is important to the structural integrity of the home.

3. The interior - Make sure your home inspector checks for the safety of the interior of the home. Lead based paint, faulty electrical wiring and asbestos products in older homes can be dangerous to the health of the family members.

4. Grading of the land - Is water flowing toward the house? Is the land extremely spongy when walking around the lot? All this should be considered . Remember, excess moisture in and around the foundation is a problem. Mold can be a result of excess moisture and this is extremely dangerous to your health.

These are just a few of the problems that can cause major expense down the road for the first time home buyer. Your home inspector will point out any and all potential hazards in your new home. Make sure you use a licensed home inspector and ask for references. How many inspections in the area has he completed and what are the potential red flags. Attend the inspection and follow your inspector around the home. This is also an opportunity for you to learn about the home.

As a first time home buyer, do your homework! Having proper representation from your real estate agent will insure that your new investment will protected as well your families health.

Resources are available for finding a Realtor in your area. Check references with friends and family members or visit www.realtor.com. Happy house hunting!

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