Wanna Buy a House but Don't Know Where to Start? Here's 6 First Time Home Buyer Tips

I am beginning to think August 31st is a lucky day in the Rosario family. Not only is today my first year wedding anniversary; but we also closed on our very first home!! That's right guys, we are officially home owners! Can you believe it??

It has been a long and tedious process but we made it. I love our new little home. It's a great starter for us. It was not easy but we knew from day one that we wanted to own.

If you had asked me 2 years ago how to buy a home, I would not have been able to answer that for you. All I knew was that you needed a lot of money. And I was right; I like to call this new little home 'the money pit'.

Here are some lessons we learned along the way:

1. Have lots of patience!

Check out as many houses as you can. Have options. Negotiations can last a week or a month. Take your time!

2. If you plan to put money down, [not saying that you have to] but if you can, try to have at least 20% as a down payment, that way you won't have to any mortgage insurance. Because we put less then 20% down, we will have PMI added to our mortgage until we have met that 20% mark.

3. Plan for unexpected expenses

Things just kept popping up which caused a little bit of a delay in our process.

4. Pick the right realtor.

You want someone that's going to help you every step of the way, not someone whose in it for the money. Chose someone who will help with negotiations, who is honest, and supports whatever decision you guys make. A realtor is very important.

I loved my realtor, up until we got our offer approved, then she turned into a huge witch.

5. Check out smaller, local banks.

Larger banks may not be the best choices or interest rates. So definitely shop around.

6. Enjoy the process

Home shopping is fun! Check out as many homes as you can and compare them all to fit your liking.  Don't settle and take your time!

Happy Shopping!