The First Time Home Buyer Process

1) Education

The more you learn about home buying the easier it will be. You will definitely need to rely on home buying professionals as well, and we will go over how to pick the best ones to help you with your goals.

2) Pre-Approval

The first thing you should do before you start looking at homes in person is to get pre-approved. This is important so that you know what you can and can’t afford. It’s also possible that you may need work on a couple of things on the financing end to qualify for a loan, or to get better terms.

3) Finding the Right Realtor

Finding the right Realtor is key. There are many great Realtors here in Rochester but finding the one that will best serve your needs and has a great track record is important.

4) Home Search

This is a fun part because you get to go shopping. You will start getting homes that meet your criteria from the Realtor you work with and start touring your favorite ones.

5) Writing an Offer & Negotiating

So you have found your new home and now it’s time to write an offer. This part of the process has become a bit more challenging with the strong demand from buyers and low supply of homes. Your Realtor will strategically craft a strong offer and negotiate on your behalf to increase the chances of buying your new home.

6) Inspection, Insurance & Title Work

While performing a home inspection is not required we believe it’s critical that you have one done. After the inspection process, you will start looking for home insurance and the title company will start the title search process to make sure you get a clean title in your name.

7) Getting Keys to Your New Home

Closing day is an exciting day but prior to getting keys to your new home you will have to do a walk-thru of the property. You will also sign several documents so that you can get title and ownership of your new home.

8) Homeowner 101

Buying your first home is super exciting and fun. However, once you are officially a homeowner, there are several important things you need to know about how to maintain your home so that you can be a successful homeowner.

Down Payment Assistance for First Time Home Buyers In Rochester, MN

If you are looking for help with your down payment, you are in the right place. We work specialize in helping first time homeowners and we are well versed with all the down payment options available.

MN Housing

The Minnesota Housing program is a state wide program that can help first time home buyers with their downpayment.

Three Rivers

The Three Rivers program is a 22 county program in southeast Minnesota that can help first time home buyers with their down payment.

First Homes

The First Homes program is a community land trust (CLT) so not an exclusive down payment assistance program. However, if you purchase a First Homes property, there is a down payment option that First Homes offers.

Best Home Inspectors for First Time Home Buyers in Rochester, MN

There are several options for home inspectors here in Rochester, MN but below I have added three inspectors that I have worked with in the past that do a great job. I always think it’s a good idea to look at their reviews and websites to see the services that they provide and their track record.

Eagle Properties | Jaime Rivera

Home Doctors | Forest Letellier

Home Pro Inspections

Best Lenders for First Time Home Buyers in Rochester, MN

Sanela Dzamalija | Guaranteed Rate Affinity

Ryan Manley | Guaranteed Rate

Kris Heichel | Fairway Mortgage