Northwest Atlanta Properties

Home | Client Forms | Contact | (770) 726 -1454
  • Property Management
    • Property Management Services
      • Property Management Forms
      • Properties Recently Rented
      • Rental Value
    • For Tenants
      • Tenant Information
      • Tenant Forms
      • General Information for Tenants
      • General Questions and Answers
      • Tenant Move-Out Information
      • Emergency Procedures for Tenants
      • Utilities
  • Real Estate Sales
    • Looking to Purchase? Search Here!
      • Search Our Listings
      • Our Recent Sales
    • 1031 Exchange Overview – GA Edition
    • What Is My Home Worth?
    • What to Expect in an Offer
    • For Sale By Owner Resources
  • About Us
  • Testimonials
    • We Want to Hear from You!
  • Blog & Newsletters
    • Blog
    • Newsletters

Advice for First-Generation Homebuyers

December 14, 2021 by Mike Stott

The sense of pride you’ll feel when you purchase a home can’t be overstated. For first-generation homebuyers, that feeling of accomplishment is even greater. That’s because the pride of homeownership for first-generation buyers extends far beyond the homebuyer. AJ Barkley, Head of Neighborhood and Community Lending for Bank of America, says:

“Achieving this goal can create a sense of pride and accomplishment that resonates both for the buyer and those closest to them, including their parents and future generations.”

In other words, your dream of homeownership has far-reaching impacts. If you’re about to be the first person in your family to buy a home, let that motivate you throughout the process. As you begin your journey, here are three helpful tips to make that dream come true.

1. Reach Out to a Real Estate Professional

It’s important to reach out to a trusted advisor early in your homebuying process. Not only can an agent help you find the right home, but they’ll serve as your expert advisor and answer any questions you might have along the way.

The latest Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) surveyed first-time homebuyers to see

As the graph shows, your agent is a great source of information throughout the process. They’ll help you understand what’s happening, assess a home’s condition, and negotiate a contract that has the best possible terms for you. These are just some of the reasons having an expert in your corner is critical as you navigate one of the most significant purchases of your life.

2. Do Your Research and Know What You Can Afford

The second piece of advice for first-generation homebuyers is practical: do your research so you know what you can afford. That means getting your finances in order, reviewing your budget, and getting pre-approved through a lender. It also means learning the ins and outs of what it takes to pay for your home, including what you’ll need for a down payment.

Many homebuyers believe the common misconception that you can’t purchase a home without coming up with a 20% for a down payment. As Freddie Mac says:

“The most damaging down payment myth—since it stops the homebuying process before it can start—is the belief that 20% is necessary.”

The chart below shows what recent homebuyers have actually put down on their purchases:

On average, first-time buyers only put 7% down on their home purchase. That’s far less than the 20% many people believe is necessary. That means your down payment, and your home purchase, may be in closer reach than you realize. Keep that in mind as you work with a real estate professional to better understand what you’ll need for your purchase.

3. Don’t Lose Sight of What Home Means to You

Finally, it’s important keep in mind why you’re searching for a home to begin with. Overwhelmingly, first-generation homeowners recognize the financial and non-financial benefits of owning a home. In fact, in a recent survey:

  • 73% of first-generation homeowners say the safety and security homeownership provides is increasing in importance.
  • Nearly two-thirds of first-generation homeowners say the importance of building equity in a home is growing more important as well.

As AJ Barkley explains:

“For many first-generation homeowners and their families, homeownership has a unique importance, given the collective efforts to overcome financial challenges that can often span generations…”

Bottom Line

If you’re a first-generation homebuyer, being prepared and working with a trusted expert is key to achieving your dream. Let’s connect today so you can get started on your path to homeownership.

Filed Under: Now In Real Estate, Property Management Blog, Tiny Homes, Uncategorized, Up-to-date Mortgage Info Tagged With: #Atlanta, #atlantarealestate, #investment, #Investmentproperty, #Investors, #realestate, #sellyourhome, Agent, Broker, Build a home, Build your home, buyers, consumer spending, Down Payment, Economist, Equity, Freddie Mac, Georgia Real Estate, homeownership, homes, housing, Housing Bubble, Investment Property, Luxury Home, Luxury Homes, Luxury Living, Mike Stott, National Association of Realtors, new home buyers, New Home Construction, Property Management, real estate, Real Estate Advice, sellers, selling your home, Wealth

About Mike Stott

Latest From Our Blog

We’re in a Sellers’ Market. What Does That Mean?

Even though activity in the housing market has slowed from the frenzy we saw over a year ago, … Read More...

4 Key Tips for Selling Your House This Spring

Spring has arrived, and that means more and more people are getting their homes ready to sell. But … Read More...

How Homeownership Is Life Changing for Many Women

Throughout Women’s History Month, we reflect on the impact women have in our lives, and that … Read More...

View Full Blog >>

More from Our Clients

“You can invest in the best markets in the country but if you don’t have a great management team looking after your investments you can still lose money. That is why I stick with Northwest Atlanta Properties. I tell people it is like buying a mutual fund. You buy a property and the fund manager does the rest. If he does a good job you buy more. That is why I am buying more.”

Jamie Neely
Jamie Neely

“Great Service, everything was wonderful”

Gary Thurman
Gary Thurman

“What a Fantastic Job you guys did! I knew I wanted to hire the team the moment I met them. They are spot on. They did all of the legwork, and at times seemed to move mountains for us. We truly could not be happier!”

Johnston
Kim Johnston

“You guys are the best! I was so scared to pull the trigger on this and you have gone above and beyond to make things go smoothly. You guys are the best!! Many mahalos”

Maili
Maili

“Mike and Jon are the best! They made everything so easy!”

Andy Sexton
Andy Sexton

“This is our second transaction with Mike, Jon, & Donna. I Recomend them to everyone I know!”

Vic & Tammie Pecora
Vic & Tammie Pecora

“I just bought a home in the Woodlands! If you need a great realtor, Jon Burke with Northwest Atlanta Properties was Awesome! He was very knowledgeable and there for me every step of the way!”

Patty Cunningham
Patty Cunningham

“Many Thanks, Jon, Mike for outstanding service & support”

Ritesh Betala
Ritesh Betala

“We went from knowing that we could never buy a house to owning our new home!”

Don & Kris
Don & Kris

“Couldn’t be happier. Looked at houses one weekend, picked our favorite. That’s the one we bought. Got everything we wanted and more in negotiations. They held our hands through the entire process, going above and beyond at every opportunity. NWATLP Introduced me to my now lender, my inspector, and even helped me pick a home warranty! ‘One and Done’ should be their new catch phrase!!!”

Elizabeth W.
Elizabeth W.

“Wow, we ended up being one of those people who sold their house in a day. Mike and Donna delivered exactly what we asked them to do and we are so happy we trusted intuition and our friends.”

Chris G.
Chris G.

“Seriously, you were great!”

Dan & Mimi Murray
Dan & Mimi Murray

“This was our eight transaction. It went as smoothly as possible and sold in two days!”

Marc Bootman
Marc Bootman

“We were blessed to have Mike and Jon sell our house. They were extremely professional and stayed in great contact with us. We interviewed 7 agents and they were simply the most prepared and had the most logical marketing plan. Their pricing spreadsheet really made a big difference. We highly recommend them.”

Daren & Sandra Woods
Daren & Sandra Woods

“I can hardly believe we made it. Thanks for your patience with me and the loving guidance you
gave.”

Lynn Bodenstein
Lynn Bodenstein

“Just wanted to take a moment to thank God for sending you to us. You made the sale of our house grace-filled andeven fun with your humor. And, literally, you have driven all over the place trying to help us find the right home nowthat you sold ours. You get 5 stars and my personal recommendation which I don’t give out lightly. Thank you forbeing a man of excellence!”

Jay & Becky Harmon
Jay & Becky Harmon

“Mike and Jon helped us find a home that we love! They answered every question with professionalism and ease. They made the homebuying process so smooth! 5 stars to Northwest Atlanta Properties, we will recommend them to anyone looking to buy or sell their home!”

The Kornegay's
The Kornegay's

“Wow. Service with a smile. Knowledgeable and gave me all the info needed to find and buy our perfect house.”

Adam Winnie
Adam Winnie

“First of all, I want to tell you how happy and fortunate we are to be working with you. I love the way you are with people. You’re so calm & attentive and present. And it was wonderful how you had taken pictures before the meeting. So we are so lucky to have you on our team. Thank you, Jon!

The Fabozzi's
The Fabozzi's

“The BEST out there. I loved how I would get an email when the house was shown. I was always super informed! Super professional in all aspects!! Thank you, Mike!”

Kristy Haines
Kristy Haines

“Northwest Atlanta Properties sold our house for the highest price in the neighborhood; EVER! That can’t be beaten! “

The Louder's
The Louder's

“My Wife and I became first time home owners in Sept. Northwest Atlanta Properties guided us every step of the way. They introduced us to several lenders, Home inspectors, and Appraisers. They were always concerned with what we thought and our preferences. We went out One Saturday and saw 6 listings. We put in an offer on the one we liked and Got it!!! They stepped in and made negotiations easy as well as prepped us for the eventualities we faced. They should change their slogan to “One and Done” We will never use anyone else.”

Josh
Josh

“This family-owned business was a joy to work with! They listed to exactly what we wanted and put our priorities above their profit margins. I never felt pressured to go into a higher price point then we were comfortable with. They showed us several homes in the areas we were considering and worked with us every step of the way. We were new to the state so relied on their expertise to find us the perfect community for raising our children. I was in constant contact with Donna, Mike, & Josh who never made me feel like I was bothering them. Their many years of expertise made me feel safe and confident while looking for our home. I couldn’t recommend them enough!!!”

Katherine B
Katherine B

“If you are looking for carefully curated experience combined with friendly and understanding customer service then this is the place for you! This is a company that puts their every effort into finding you the perfect home. I spoke with Donna and Mike Stott, Jon Burke, and Josh Weinberg and they were absolutely fantastic. I never felt rushed and they listened to my idea of my perfect dream home with rapt interest that resulted in a selection of beautiful properties and houses. I can’t thank them enough for their experience, time, and attention to detail.”

Alexis
Alexis

“It was a pleasure working with Mike and Donna on getting their properties scanned for 3D tours! Responsive and fair, I would love it if all my clients were this way 😉 Thanks so much for the great relationship!”

Sasha B
Sasha B

“Mike was my listing agent and I had what we both knew would be a hard sale. I went though several other agents and Mike was the one who put in the hard work to get a contract and most importantly closed. It was not an easy process but he made it happen. I highly recommend.”

Ryan Jacobs
Ryan Jacobs

Mike, we had the best realtors in GA❣️😘 thanks to you and Donna we found our dream home! We highly recommend Northwest Atlanta Properties!

 

Ellen Rich-Fox
Ellen Rich-Fox

“Outstanding! I wish every realtor was this thorough! Thanks!”

Frank MUSCENTE - Owner, a closer look
Frank Muscente, Owner, a closer look

“Couldn’t of been easier, best realtor service I have ever had”

Amos Cordell
Amos Cordell

Donna, you and Mike are not at the top of my list of Realtors — YOU AND MIKE ARE THE LIST!!📣

Aileen

Northwest Atlanta Properties

Home Sales & Property Management Services

Professional real estate services for Sellers, buyers, owners & tenants. Specializing in the Northwest Atlanta communities of Roswell, Marietta, Alpharetta, Milton, Woodstock, Kennesaw, and the Surrounding Areas.

Contact Us

We look forward to hearing from you!
Office: (770) 726-1454 anything@nwatlp.com

3380 Trickum Rd Bldg #1300 Suite 100 Woodstock, GA 30188

Be sure to follow us!

Follow by Email
Facebook
Facebook
fb-share-icon
LinkedIn
LinkedIn
Share

Copyright © 2023 · Northwest Atlanta Properties · Website by Visule Web Media

Copyright © 2023 · Executive Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in