When you’ve made the decisions to become a homeowner, you’ll be embarking on a journey that can be challenging and rewarding. There are lots of hurdles ahead but as long as you give thoughtful consideration to every element put in front of you, then you can have ultimate success. Here’s what first-time homebuyers need to consider:

What Home Suits Your Needs?

Set aside architectural styles for this question and instead focus on function. There are traditional single-family homes, townhouses, condos, co-ops or a multi-family building with two to four units. Each one of those types of homes has their own list of pros and cons. Within those categories you also have properties that are ready to move in or might need a little (or a lot) of fixing up. How much effort you want to put into maintaining your home might also be a factor.

What is on Your Must-Have List?

All first-time homebuyers have a must-have list. They usually begin with the location and move onto size. Within that “size” issue are things like the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, if it is an open floor plan and type of backyard space. The most important thing about a must-have list is to be flexible. Could there be renovations that can turn a home into a dream house? Could living 20 minutes outside of your ideal neighborhood be a deal breaker?

How Much Mortgage Do You Qualify For?

It makes no sense to shop for a home without know how much you can afford to spend. Yes, those mortgage calculators that are on every lending site can provide you with a glimpse of what your monthly fees will be but until you apply and are approved anything can change. That is why you’ll be in a stronger position if you go get pre-approved first.

What Are You Taking With You?

There is a lot that you’ll probably bring with you and a lot you’ll want to replace for your new home. As for the rest, that would all be the stuff to turn over to Junk King Orange County. These are the junk removal experts who can make all you unwanted furniture, appliance and electronics disappear. First-time homebuyers shouldn’t move into their new place with a lot of old rubbish. Junk King Orange County can help with that goal.