Thinking About Buying a Home? Start Here.

Buying a home is exciting, but I know it can also feel a little overwhelming.

There are so many questions that come up. How much can I afford? Where should I look? Should I buy now or wait? What happens after I find a house I love?

If you have been asking yourself some of those same questions, you are certainly not alone.

My best advice is to start with a conversation before you start looking at houses.

One of the first things I like to do with buyers is talk about what they actually need. Not just the number of bedrooms or the size of the garage, but what they want their life to look like. Do you need to be close to work? Are schools important to you? Do you want a big backyard? Do you love older homes with character, or would you rather have something newer with less maintenance?

Those things matter.

I also encourage buyers to get a good understanding of their budget early in the process. It is easy to fall in love with a home online, only to discover that it does not fit comfortably into your budget. Knowing where you stand financially makes the entire process less stressful.

And then there is the neighborhood.

I always tell people that you are not just buying a house. You are becoming part of a community. Drive around. Visit local restaurants. Go to a nearby park. Think about what it would feel like to live there on an ordinary Tuesday, not just during a showing.

There is no perfect house. There is the house that makes sense for you and your life.

If you are thinking about buying, even if you are months or years away, reach out. I am always happy to answer questions and help you understand what the process looks like.

Sometimes the best first step is simply having a conversation.

— Mary Lyn Cabral

Your Omaha REALTOR®