Need advice on buying a house!

DH and I are going to start our search for a house. We've been discussing areas we'd like to live and we're on the same page as far as which type of home we're looking for.
Does anyone know any good books to buy, websites, etc. ? I'm not sure how to start looking!
Any advice is greatly appreciated!!

Re: Need advice on buying a house!

i have no idea about books or websites and i am not from the area, so this may be no help. but i will tell you to GO to open houses. we did this every weekend for about 2 months before we got an agent and started looking seriously. And it was so good. we learned about lots of new neighborhoods that we didn't even know existed and we saw a LOT of houses and layouts, etc. and learned what we liked and what we didn't and also what prices things are going for (we were a bit shocked when we first realized how much $$$ houses in our area are)!!! plus, you get to be totally nosey and see lots of weird stuff in people's houses!

just pick up the paper on Friday, circle the ones you want (even call a couple) and GO FOR A DRIVE. it is kind of fun! and no committment! Good luck, this is so exciting!!!

Re: Need advice on buying a house!

Thanks JoRo! By the way--your pictures are LOVELY!
When you went to open houses, did you find that the agent handling the open house was pushy? We're not ready to buy just yet (DH is unemployed at the moment) and I want to avoid any pushy real estate agents right now.
I'm really into checking out other people's houses though!

Re: Need advice on buying a house!

try www.realtor.com
lots of homes to look at and you put in what you are looking for
good luck
where are you looking
there is a nice dormered house near me a dormered cape on Gardenia
from Weichert realty

Re: Need advice on buying a house!

he he he that was a fun part!
actually you are right, the other agent tends to be pushy. plus, they usually want you to sign in when you arrive. In the beginning we did this, and then we got all this stuff in the mail. So, we started making up addresses and names, it was kind of fun! but then of course, you are sc---d if you ever want to use one of those agents.
The best thing to do is just make up your mind what you are going to say before you go in. just be honest, but don't volunteer too much information. Something like, we are just in the looking phase, trying to get a sense of what we want. We will probably not be serious for another couple of months.'

that should work and keep them from badgering you, but also let them know you will be serious so they should take you seriously! (or else you could always give them the slip and not really sign in!) IT will be fun. you should try one this weekend!

Re: Need advice on buying a house!

I bought a book on mortgages, i will let you know the name of it when i get home... it helped ALOT understanding all sorts of things.

Check out the website fannymae.com that will give you lots of info on first time home buying.. also one tip i learned make sure you have good resale value on the house..


good luck and ill help you out any way i can!

Re: Need advice on buying a house!

Thanks girls for the great advice! I'll check out those sites right now and JoRo--maybe we'll stop in to a few open houses!
Suzanne--I miss you today!!!

Re: Need advice on buying a house!

I would reccomend the book 'Homebuying for Dummies.' It explains everything you need to know about the process of buying a home in everyday simple terms. FH and I have found it to be extremely helpful!

Re: Need advice on buying a house!

i second that! i learned everything about making an offer, applying for a mortgage, closing costs, etc. from that book.

i would recommend getting pre-approved for a mortgage now- it makes it much easier when you find a house you love.

we also worked with a buyer's agent- very helpful since he worked for us and NOT the seller.

Re: Need advice on buying a house!

A great website that will give you ideas on prices of homes in the area you want (on LI) is www.mlslirealtor.com.

As for advice, FH and I didn't find much when we went looking, we learned by trial and (a lot of) error. FM me if you have any questions at all!!!

Re: Need advice on buying a house!

I go on www.nytimes.com they have every area

Re: Need advice on buying a house!

I second MLSLI.com. Excellent website. I got my house from there even before they posted the picture.