Your First Home
When you are ready to move into your first home together, you will find the experience to be the realization of one of the most satisfying goals that you, as a couple, can set . and attain.
One of the most exciting aspects of being newlyweds is the fun of setting up your new home together. You've received an array of wedding gifts that will get you off to a wonderful start on this new adventure. Many of these gifts will be a part of your family throughout the years ahead and will play a role in your very own traditions ... family meals, entertaining, holiday celebrations. And no doubt, each of you has already accumulated many household items you will need to work on "blending" into your new home.
But the question for many couples is where to put everything! Not which cabinet or drawer, but which apartment or house? His place or hers? Rent or buy? It is highly recommended that if at all possible you move into a place that is new to both of you. If not, have a major discussion first.
The current residence of your spouse-to-be will have a history with it; one of you will be moving "in on the other," causing possible conflicts. It can be done, but it is important that you work together to now make it "yours." Moving into a place that is new to both of you gives you an opportunity to create and establish your home together. It will be a place that reflects what you enjoy and appreciate as a couple. And you can, as a couple, make it your very own.
Determining where you will first live as newlyweds is an issue that should be addressed seriously by all couples, whether you are marrying for the first time or the second time; whether you are a young couple or an older couple. Starting off on the right foot on the "home front" can give you great advantages in your marriage.
While many couples are building new homes as they plan their weddings, depending on your particular situation, it might be best to rent during your first year of marriage. It can be a house, apartment, condominium - whatever suits your style. The point is to give yourselves a year to adjust to working together on financial matters, exploring different neighborhoods and learning what type of housing style will work best for you as a couple. Then, if you're ready financially, you can look at buying.
There's no question that buying a home is not only the American Dream, but it is probably the number one dream of most newlyweds. Home ownership is a big step, not only financially, but it can also be demanding of your time and attention. With that said, it can be a source of pride and pure pleasure, and a great investment.
The REALtor connection
You're a newlywed couple, and you're (gasp) looking for a new house. So where to start? Well before anything else — find yourself a RealtorŪ! Why, you ask, when you're armed with the newspaper and the Internet, can't you just do it yourself? Well, Newlyweds, would you (did you) trust just anyone to take your wedding photographs? Or let's put it this way — would you go to court without a lawyer to represent you? Still think you can do it yourself? Well, here are some things that you may want to know before diving in.
A Realtor can provide you with:
• Professional representation — at no cost to you, the buyer
• Confidence, as he/she can get you pre-approved for financing — and help you further define what you can afford
• More searching abilities than you may be aware of — Realtors have access to all Multiple Listing Services (MLS's), which can significantly cut down on your travel and/or search time
• Knowledge of the market — which areas are development prone; what are resale values of the area; are you paying too much or is it a good deal — you'll get the idea (and the real scoop!)
Once you find your future abode, a Realtor can also:
• Be your 3rd (knowledgeable) party in communicating with the attorney, the mortgage lender, and the builder or seller's agent
• Set up, coordinate and handle inspections
Finally, some last advice: find one Realtor you can work with. He or she can show you many homes, regardless of who holds the listing. This liberty will cut down on unnecessary communication and lend to an overall better buying experience that will help to make finding your first home together an enjoyable adventure and a happy memory for you both.