Finding the right place to settle down is never easy. If you have lived in the Atlanta Metro for a while, you’ll know of so many wonderful cities and towns surrounding the area. It can be difficult narrowing down your options. Still, if you're searching for a picture-perfect community with authentic Southern charm, beautiful historic buildings, and local festivals held throughout the year, very few places can compete with Braselton.
Located 45 minutes north of downtown Atlanta, Braselton is a hidden gem in the Atlanta Metro. With just over 14,000 people calling this idyllic town home, Braselton is perfect for those who want to live in a tight-knit community where you can easily get to know your neighbors. At the same time, you can keep all the luxury amenities and entertainment options you would find in a big city. With its spectacular microbreweries, wineries, antique shops, and luxury spas, living in Braselton has everything you could ever want and more.
So if you are considering calling this spectacular town home, you might wonder what it will take to buy a property in Braselton. If you have worked hard to save enough money to buy your dream home, you will want to get started right away. This homebuyer guide will teach you how to secure your dream home in this beautiful Georgia town. If you are a first-time buyer in Braselton, here's everything you need to know.
Set yourself apart
The Braselton real estate market is hot. As more and more people are exploring the Atlanta area, Braselton is coming on their radars. As a result, the market can be competitive. If you want to secure your dream home, you will need to set yourself apart. Do your homework and research the local market. When the right home comes along, be ready to act. Decisive buyers are a lot more likely to win out in bidding wars.
Find an expert real estate agent
Searching for the right home can be an overwhelming process, especially if this is the first time you have experienced it. Whether it's your first time buying a home or you are new to the Braselton area, you'll need help to navigate the local market. Before you begin the house hunt, choose a local real estate expert. By working with a local Realtor, you will not only learn more about the home-buying process, but you might also learn more about Braselton itself.
Working with the right agent is essential. Your real estate agent could either make or break the home-buying process for you, so choose your agent carefully. So how do you know which agent is right for you? Ideally, you should work with someone with industry experience who is an expert in your local market and is a clear communicator. Ultimately, you want to work with someone you trust.
Don’t put down 20% unless it makes sense
Growing up, you will have been given a lot of advice on how to buy your first home. One of the most prevailing pieces of advice usually involves down payments: you must put 20% down on your home to afford it. However, this might only sometimes be the case. If it doesn't make financial sense for you to put 20% down on your first home, then don't do it. There are many government loan programs where you can put down less than 20% on a property, including FHA or VA loans. Each loan program will have different guidelines, and many don't require a large downpayment.
Be prepared to pay property taxes
When buying your first property, you may experience some extra expenses. You know you will need money for a down payment, closing costs, and other upfront costs when buying a home. But as a homeowner, one expense you will always need to budget for is property taxes. Depending on where you live, you will need to pay property taxes two times a year. The rate will depend on several factors, including your assessed property value and public services within your jurisdiction. This rate tends to fluctuate yearly, but you must save enough money to pay your property taxes. Failure to do so could put a lien against your property.
Check out available loans and homebuyer assistance programs
If you dream of becoming a homeowner but haven't taken the leap already, why not? For many, one of the greatest barriers to homeownership is finances. Depending on your financial situation, saving enough money to buy a home can be difficult. There are many upfront expenses, including down payment, closing costs, property taxes, emergency repair funds, and more. It can be frustrating if you have struggled to save enough money for years. It could even feel like you are running on a hamster wheel, but you aren't making any progress toward your goals. Fortunately, many solutions are out there to help you finally achieve your dreams of homeownership.
If you are a prospective buyer searching for a bit of a boost, check out some of the many loans and buyer assistance programs. Depending on your financial situation, you can apply for many different homebuyer assistance programs or even apply for grants to purchase your first home.
Complete a homebuyer education course (you might need one to be eligible for assistance)
Depending on the type of loan you are applying for, there are certain conditions you need to meet before you are eligible to buy your home. In some cases, this could include taking educational courses on home ownership. These courses might be mandatory in all cases, but if you are a first-time homebuyer, attending these courses is a good idea, regardless.
First-time homebuying educational courses have some of the best information you will ever find on the ins and outs of homeownership. They can help you prepare for the unexpected and can even give you a greater appreciation for the process. Whether they are mandatory or not, attending an educational course on homeownership can be worthwhile.
Discover more tips for becoming a Braselton homeowner
Are you ready to take the leap and become a homeowner? If you are searching for the perfect home in Braselton, you're going to need a local real estate expert by your side through every step of the process. Whether you are a first-time buyer or have recently relocated to the area, our team at RE/MAX TRUE will help you find your perfect home. Backed by many years of industry experience and our sterling reputation within the community, we are the leaders in Braselton real estate. Contact us today to get started on your house hunt. We'll turn your dreams of homeownership into reality.
