1st time home buyer advice (2025)

[tgv976]

Landed a really good job last year and looking at buying a house. Not married, no kids, so no issues there. GF but she won't ever be living with me, and neither will any other because I love living alone and don't want kids. Did a search function noob query, but last thread was 2019. Solid advice about the home inspection and some other things, but figured I'd post a new thread for any updated advice in our current climate. Seller's market now but what can ya do? Some other details if needed:

- house will most likely be in a rural area. Well water, septic tank, electric ac, and oil, propane, or elec heat.
- Have well over 20% for the money down.
- Current situation is better than most. Rent's $1100 a mo for a single home (cheap considering a 1br apt around here goes for over that) but live in a white trash / latino trash area that's going downhill. These retards with their vehicles, music, and fireworks are driving me crazy. I thought it was just me becoming an old cunt early in life, but a lot of ppl I know have moved away from here for this same reason. Considering the property tax on this house is $5000 a yr, my real cost of rent is dirt cheap, but too many dipshits here that need a lobotomy.
- I'm not too handy with repairs. I can fix simple things (toilet, sink, drywall) but I don't have the knowledge for major issues.

Thank you all in advance, even the shit posters.

 

[Long Dark Blues]

If it has a basement, look at it. Take note of its condition as well as the joists above.

If it is slab-on-grade, walk around the perimeter of the house and take note of the foundation's condition and if it'll need parging. Also look at the way any landscaping/the lawn is sloped, should be away from the foundation.

Basically just look for any potential water or moisture issues.

 

[liner]

If you've got that 20 percent down you are golden. Hopefully you have decent credit too and your mortgage will be nice and easy. I'd get a fixed rate. Your payment will go up a little each year as usually property taxes and your insurance go up but it's negligible compared to being at the mercy of rent. Have some cash on hand for the repairs that will inevitably come up that you need a pro for.

Congratulations

 

[Long Dark Blues]

Also, if you ever have to call your insurance company because of water or moisture damage, do not under any circumstances say the words "flood" or "leak."

Always refer to any such event as an "accidental water discharge."

 

[HomeCheese]

Like they say, location is important, small house in the best neighborhood you can afford can be good investment. Do you like to do yard work? Is it cold in the winter where you live? If cold and sunshine is important, pay attention to how the house is oriented, will it get sun shine in the winter? Is the backyard getting good southern exposure? Too much shade from trees?

My first home has a detached in-law unit I rented out, helped me break into the market. Something to consider.

 

[UberHere]

In addition to what’s already been posted

1. Test for radon levels. If they’re higher than acceptable, you can have the seller install a mitigation system.

2. If it’s got well or sceptic, get those inspected.

3. Don’t buy a house with any odd smells

 

[Lycandroid]

don't take any advice from people who need to be reminded what year it is.

 

[Sycho Sid]

Be prepared for your monthly costs to be higher than you think, and especially than your rent.

Also, interest rates suck, so make sure you can make more than the minimum payments each month.

 

[DanSavage]

Use google maps aerial view to check out condition of nearby properties.

You don't want to buy near clown houses, run-down properties, junk yards, etc.

Drive by potential houses at different times of the day/night and on weekends so you can see whether it's a nice neighborhood.

Check out local amenities, such as grocery stores, hardware stores, (Lowe's, Home Depot, etc.) gas stations, auto repair, etc.

Use NeighborhoodScout.com to check out crime rates, home prices, etc.

Use the maps on Realtor.com to check out flooding, noise levels, etc.

Do get title insurance.

Lastly, do not let the seller or the seller's agent/broker pick out the home inspector. Pick your own. Similarly, be wary of your agent/broker recommending an inspector. Both of their inspectors may overlook serious issues just to move the house.

 

[plataoplombo]

What exactly are you trying to get advice for. Appreciation, inspection, or maintenance?

 

[kimocomplex]

Inspection is very important, don't let them convince you otherwise

 

[ricc505]

My sister in law just bought her first house. And it's going poorly. Septic system problems, oil furnace fuel consumption is higher them expected, flooding in the yard, no basement (high water table causing septic issues?), needs electrical updates, she is house or and wants new furniture and decor as her apartment items feel inadequate, no equipment or experience taking care of lawn, shoveling. I warned my wife about all these but we decided to butt out.

They will refinance when rates drop, put down 20%.
Now is an unpredictable time in the US market since we just had an election. My experience is I owned 2 houses by 30. She had her dad help who last bought a house 35+years ago

 

[dildos]

don’t ever take a loans always buy outright.

 

[TardStrong]

How old are you? Gonna get a 15 year loan or 30 year loan? Will it be paid off when you try to retire? Since you don't have any kids to leave the house to how about renting in a better area? Might be cheaper and less of a headache.

What is your monthly payment gonna be on the mortage with insurance and property tax?

If you can pay the house off before or at retirement I say go for it. Then you just have taxes and insurance to pay when you retire and if no one to leave the house to a reverse mortgage is possible also

 

[Dalarna3]

Don't use the home inspector that your real estate agent recommends.

 

[clutchCAT420]

Buy cash and get information on HOA.

 

[TheChance]

Make sure the roof has plenty of overhang, it protects the house from alot of rot from rain/snow.

 

[ThaiSexPills]

Get a good home inspector. Find out who the best one is in your area and before you close, have them look at it.

 

[Oblivian]

-Get info on past utility bills
-Don't buy a house with old windows that need replaced soon. Windows are a big expense.
-Inspector will check the roof, but double check the lifespan on that. Another big expense.
-Finance through a local bank/credit union, not a shitty internet lender even if they have a better rate
-Closings can get delayed. I'd plan to have an overlap between your lease and move in date.

 

[tgv976]

What exactly are you trying to get advice for. Appreciation, inspection, or maintenance?

General advice for a 1st timer. Out of those, inspection. Things to pay attention to when viewing the property myself primarily or things people learned overall from the process they wish they knew before.

How old are you? Gonna get a 15 year loan or 30 year loan? Will it be paid off when you try to retire? Since you don't have any kids to leave the house to how about renting in a better area? Might be cheaper and less of a headache.

What is your monthly payment gonna be on the mortage with insurance and property tax?

If you can pay the house off before or at retirement I say go for it. Then you just have taxes and insurance to pay when you retire and if no one to leave the house to a reverse mortgage is possible also

Late 30's pretty much. I looked into it on your advice, but my current rental is a steal in comparison. 1300 is the going rate for a 1BR apt in a complex. 2K for a similar twin / townhome in a rundown area and 4K for a big single in a good area.

With the down payment, I'd be a bit under 2K a month including everything on a 15yr mortgage. It'll trend up over time since taxes jump about $300/yr around here. Barring catastrophe, the house would be paid off before retirement and well ahead of the 15yr term.