Hello Adulthood : Buying A Home

I’m trying out a new series on my blog titled, “Hello, Adulthood.” I’m sure some of my friends and family clicked on this link thinking that Adam and I have bought a house. I’m sorry to disappoint you all but the Lehman’s are still renters! While it’s definitely on our mind, we aren’t at that point yet. I’m hoping that through this series, I can share more than just what nail polish I’m currently wearing or all my design & photography. My hope that this can also be a place where I can share my bigger, overarching goals (professionally, personally, financially, spiritually).

With all that being said, I’d like to introduce you to Shanna Lafontaine! Shanna is a Real Estate Consultant here in Columbus, Ohio and has just released her first eBook titled, “Buying Guide: Your First Home.” I was able to ask her a few questions as a sometime-to-be new homeowner. Enjoy!

1. How long have you been working in the real estate business? I have been in residential real estate since 2002, so I’m in my 10^th year.

2. Explain what your book, “Buying Guide: Your First Home,” is about . The book goes through the step-by-step process of considering buying a home, finding a Realtor and lender, searching for a home and through closing. With added tips throughout, the eBook is sure to save many buyers stress, time and money as they move through the process of buying a home.

3. What inspired you to write this eBook? I love educating my clients because it makes them more comfortable and makes the process easier on everyone. Most clients have very similar questions so I thought putting the answers to all those questions and even more into an eBook would be a great concise way to answer the most commonly asked questions of home buyers.

4. What are 5 pieces of advice you’d give potential (and new) home buyers?

• Make sure you are comfortable with the real estate agent you want to use and find someone up front in the beginning of the process to be your advocate. If you aren’t comfortable with your Realtor, find someone else.
• Consider resale when you think about buying. Make sure you think about buying a home you love but that also meets criteria that fits are large section of potential buyers.
• Compare and contrast your loan options with a lender that has in-house underwriting. Make sure you are well educated on your choices and compare “apples to apples” to see the differences.
• When you go out looking at houses bring a notepad, pen and digital camera. Take good notes on the pros and cons of the house, anything special or out of the ordinary and rate it on a scale of 1-10 Also take pictures (if you are allowed), starting with the mailbox or house number to keep them in order on your camera. This will help you keep all the houses straight at the end of a day of seeing houses.
• Don’t put your notice in on your apartment until you are positive that you are going to be approved for your loan and have assurance that you are ready to close. The last thing you want is to have a last minute issue and end up without a place to live.