Starting Your New Life Together in a Home of Your Own

Here's a twist to the wedding registry! Ask family and friends to donate to your "house fund". What could be better than starting your new life together in a home of your own? This can amount to your closing costs or even a portion of your down payment. There may be those who actually prefer this "chic" new idea (that is becoming more and more popular!). Regardless, this could be a smart and rewarding request!

Many first-time buyer programs make owning a home possible with little or no down payment. With interest rates at an all-time low, a house payment can be less than renting. And in today's market you don't have to have a huge savings account for move-in expenses. You can get that home of your own with a smaller, more reasonable amount.

Apprehension about the paper process and worry about the legal end of a contract causes many young couples to wait. Talking to a real estate professional who understands these worries can be comforting and informative. A real estate agent does more than just help you find the right house! Your agent can simplify the purchase, and guide you through the process. Plus, your agent knows the importance of getting you "pre-qualified" so you will know just how much house you can buy. A real estate professional can help on all of this. Best of all the cost to you as the buyer is nothing.

As a new couple, whether you decide to buy a home before the wedding or wait until after the honeymoon, be sure you choose an agent who is knowledgeable and qualified and who has experience in working with young, first-time buyers.

Written by Sharon Durham, Century 21 Maselle & Associates and as seen in Premier Bride of Mississippi