Are you ready to buy your first home? While you may already know what type of home or neighborhood you want to live in, there is much more to the process. With the proper education and guidance, our team can help you through every step.

For a less stressful and more confident home-buying experience, take some notes from our first-time home buyerโ€™s guide:

Know What to Expect

Heading into any major decision requires research, especially when it comes to buying your first home. Find out what you can expect as part of the home-buying process with our team here, or get in touch with us here to have any of your questions answered.

Get to Know the Washington, DC Market

Washington DC has a high-cost housing market. For first-time buyers, this may mean you will need a higher down payment or at least ample time to save up. There are also fewer listings on the market, which means you will most likely face tough competition and multiple offer situations. Our team will help you determine the safest and most effective approach to the market as a first-time buyer to ensure you close the deal for the absolute best price.

Prepare Your Finances

Do you really know how much you can afford on your first home? To fully understand your financial abilities, you need to get pre-approved for a mortgage. Then, factor in any additional costs, including your down payment, repairs, moving expenses, closing costs, new furniture, utility fees, home inspection costs, taxes, and insurance. Our team will review each cost and fee with you so you understand what you are paying for and can plan accordingly so there are no bad surprises.

Look into Financial Assistance Programs

In Washington DC, first-time buyers have access to a multitude of financial assistance programs. To learn more, contact us for details on available programs, and eligibility requirements .

See the Area for Yourself

Visit prospective neighborhoods during the day and night, as well as on weekdays and weekends if possible to get a true sense of the community. If you do not have the means to do so, you can trust usโ€“collectively, our team has years of professional and personal first-hand knowledge of the area. Learn more about each of our local neighborhoods by browsing through our guides to Washington, DC; Arlington, Virginia; Alexandria, Virginia; or Montgomery County, Maryland.

Get the Most for Your Money

Washington DC and the surrounding area is full of potential for a first-time buyer. You can find budget-friendly row homes in Northeast Washington DC areas such as Brentwood, and co-ops, condos, and designated affordable housing options in Northwest Washington DC. You can even do a quick search with us here to see what is on the market and within your budget right now.

Meet with Our Team

No matter your budget, needs, or timeframe, our team will ease the stress and clear up the confusion of buying your first home. We are happy to answer any quick questions you may have or start you on your home search today.

Let us know what you are looking for in your next home here, call us at 202.270.1081, or send us an email at anslie@thestokesgroup.com.

The Stokes Group is a team of dedicated professionals who have passion for the real estate business and will advocate for our clients with the utmost honesty, integrity, and confidentiality. We believe in building solid relationships with our clients and that starts by getting to know who we are. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

The Stokes Group is a team of dedicated professionals who have passion for the real estate business and will advocate for our clients with the utmost honesty, integrity, and confidentiality.

We believe in building solid relationships with our clients and that starts by getting to know who we are. Follow us onย Facebookย andย Instagram.