After the "I Dos" are said and thank you notes are written, what comes next?  Buying your first home, of course! Since it is one of the biggest purchases you and your spouse will make, the more you talk about and plan for buying your home, the happier you'll be when crossing that threshold.

Here are my five tips for newlywed couples buying their first home.

1. Assess Your Financial Situation
   Before you even start shopping for a home, it makes sense to first look into your financial situation. Co-mingling may be something new to you but you'll have to sit down with your spouse and make an assessment of your savings and debts. This will help you create a budget and an understanding of how much house you can afford.
   
   
2. Agree on Wants and Needs
   You are two people now joined into one, but that does not mean that you'll always have similar needs, wants, or ideas. Maybe you're planning to live in your first home for years to come and raise your children there. Agree on what features MUST be present when you move in and what would be nice to have. Be flexible and shop knowing you might not find everything you want under one roof.
   
   
3. Do Your Research
   Conduct an online search for homes in desirable neighborhoods that fit your requirements. Collect information from various real estate listing sites. This should give you an idea of what houses are selling for in that area, ratings on local schools, crime statistics, unemployment ratings, and the traffic conditions.
   
   
4. Get Pre-approved for a Mortgage
   Real estate agents and sellers want to know up front that you're a serious buyer and you'll be approved for a loan. So, get pre-approved for a mortgage and secure a pre-approval letter stating the maximum mortgage amount that you're eligible for. This will also help you look for homes that are within that budget.  SEFCU Mortgage Services
   
   
5. Find a Good Real Estate Agent
   This is where I come in.  You need to find a real estate agent with experience working with newly married couples searching for their first home. I can help you find your dream home in the ideal neighborhood for you.

Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you'll make together.  I'm here to help with answers to any questions you might have about buying your first home.  Please don't hesitate to reach out when you're ready to get started.

Congratulations on your new life together!