The First-Time Buyer's Guide to the Upper Cumberland
Everything you need to buy your first home with confidence.
Who this guide is for
This guide is for you if you've never bought a home and you're thinking about buying in the Upper Cumberland. Maybe you're thinking, "I don't even know what questions to ask," or "First-time buyers always get taken advantage of somehow." This guide fixes both.
The Upper Cumberland buying process, step by step
- Talk to a lender and get pre-approved. They look at your income, debts, credit, and savings, and tell you what you can borrow.
- Sign a buyer representation agreement with your agent before the first showing. Read it, and ask about anything you don't understand.
- Learn what your budget buys. Look at what homes in your price range actually sold for in the towns you like.
- Tour homes. Before you offer, find out whether the price makes sense compared with real sales.
- Make an offer. Earnest money here is typically about 1% of the price, held by the closing attorney.
- Inspection period. Buyers here usually get 10 days to inspect and decide how to handle what comes up.
- Appraisal and financing. Your lender orders an appraisal.
- Closing, with a local closing attorney.
Your contract and your lender set the exact terms. This guide isn't legal, tax, or lending advice.
Mistakes to avoid
- Shopping before pre-approval. You can fall for a home you can't buy.
- Guessing whether the price is fair. Compare it to real sales before you offer.
- Skipping the inspection. It's your chance to find problems before you own them.
- Spending your whole budget. Leave room for closing costs and moving in.
- Being afraid to ask. There are no dumb questions on your first home.
How I help, and your next step
I'm Bridget Salazar, a REALTOR® with The Realty Firm and a licensed Certified Residential Appraiser. I explain every step before it happens, and I check each home's price against real sales before you offer, so you don't overpay.
Your next step: read first-time buyers and how I help buyers, or message me.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much earnest money will I need?
Typically about 1% of the price, held by the closing attorney. Your contract sets the exact amount.
How long is the inspection period?
Usually 10 days after your offer is accepted.
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Ready to make your move with Bridget Salazar, OC Homegirl?