If you are reading this, it is most likely because you ready to become a homeowner, Congradulations. One of the many beauties in life is owning real estate. My name is Katia Fedor I live in Jasper County Indiana USA. I am an expert First Time Home Buyer Real Estate Broker.
There are many processes that play into a smooth real estate transaction, but as a first time home buyer, partnering with an expert first time home buying real estate broker is crucial.
1. Your Budget (Beyond the Purchase Price)
Your monthly payment includes more than just the mortgage. Think about property taxes, homeowner's insurance, HOA fees, utilities, and future maintenance. Understanding your true monthly comfort level helps prevent surprises later. Katia has fabulous lenders that she works along side that will ensure you are managed from top to bottom and have a celar understanding of the lending protion of the transaction.
2. Credit Score
Your credit score impacts your interest rate and loan options. Before buying, review your credit report, avoid large purchases, and keep your debt-to-income ratio in check. Even small improvements can make a big difference. Pre Paid credit cards are a great tool you can use to quickly boost you credit. Many first time home buyers have no credit. Talk to your bank about their pre paid credit card options.
3. Down Payment Options
Many first-time buyers don't realize they may qualify for low down payment loans or down payment assistance programs. You don't always need 20% down — knowing your options can open more doors. Katia's preferred lenders will share that a majority of first time home buyers qualify for a 3.5% down home possible conventional loan.
4. Mortgage Pre-Approval
A pre-approval shows sellers you're serious and helps you understand your true buying power. It also gives you a competitive edge in multiple-offer situations. Before starting the house hunt Katia will ask you to connect with a lender and have the pre approval letter complete. For a lender to issue a pre appoval a hard credit check is often not nessicary.
5. Location & Lifestyle
Think about commute times, school districts, walkability, future development, and proximity to work, family, and amenities. A home should fit your lifestyle both now and in the future. Indiana offers all type of lifestyle. Katia is not shy to anything. Always dreamed of owning a farm and having horses! Make sure you tell Katia this and she will show you some incredible places!
6. Short-Term vs. Long-Term Plans
Are you planning to stay for 3 years or 10? Your timeline affects what type of home makes sense, how much you should invest, and whether buying is the right move right now. It is alwasy important ot think of your future resale value as real estate is a large asset that many lean on to sustain wealth.
7. Home Type
Condos, townhomes, Farm Home? All single-family homes all come with different responsibilities. Consider how much time, effort, and cost you want to put into maintenance and repairs. Different price ranegs will grant you different calliber of home conditions.
8. Market Conditions
Understanding whether it's a buyer's market, seller's market, or balanced market helps set realistic expectations on pricing, negotiations, and timelines.
9. Inspection & Repair Costs
A home inspection is critical. Be prepared for potential repair requests or future upgrades and factor those costs into your overall budget. Independant inspections cost roughly $450-$600. As a first time home buyer this service is priceless becasue it will edicate you on the current condition of the home you are planning to buy.
10. Closing Costs
Closing costs typically include lender fees, title fees, taxes, and insurance. Knowing how much cash you'll need at closing helps you plan confidently. Katia will ask yu to consult with your lender to know exactly how much cash you will have to bring to closing, remember closing is the final day of the process, often referred to as KEY DAY YAY.
11. Emotional Readiness
Buying a home is a big emotional decision. It's okay to feel excited, nervous, or unsure. Having a trusted real estate professional guide you through the process makes all the difference. Indiana has proven to be a steady state to purchase real estate in. Over the years this midwest state shows constistant positive growth. Our closeness to Lake Michigan, Chicago and all major express ways encourages people to stay.
12. The Right Support Team
A knowledgeable REALTOR®, lender, attorney (if applicable), and inspector help protect your interests and simplify the process from start to finish. Katia is your GO-TO with any and all questions you may have. Expect an anser from Katia immediatley. No waiting around, she is your partne and will ave your best interest at heart.
Prepared By: Katia Fedor 2026
