Our First Home

There are many resources available to first time homebuyers but one stands out among the rest, The Minnesota Home Ownership Center.

The Minnesota Home Ownership Center offers resources and education to first time home buyers.  They offer home buyer workshops they refer appropriately as the “home stretch”.  Home Stretch workshops are offered throughout the state of Minnesota and cover, start-to-finish, the entire home buying process. The Home Stretch Workshop will help you become an informed, prepared consumer. The workshop offers objective, practical information to help you get on the path to homeownership.  They will help you:  

◦Determine your financial situation

 ◦Understand credit, credit issues, and how credit affects the costs of homeownership

◦Decide what type of mortgage is best for your needs

◦Select the right home for your family

◦Understand the loan closing process

◦Find special programs just for first-time homebuyers, and more!

The Minnesota Home Ownership Center has a staff of Housing Counselors that will work with you to:

◦Determine what you can afford

◦Develop a budget and savings plan

◦Address credit problems that could prevent you from getting a mortgage

◦Create a customized Action Plan with specific, manageable steps to help you achieve your goals

As part of the counseling process, and for a nominal fee, a Housing Counselor can provide you a copy of your credit report that includes your credit score.

Not sure what your next steps should be? Wondering if you might qualify for any down payment or first-time home buyer programs? Housing Counselors offer free private & confidential one-on-one professional advice to help you achieve your dream of homeownership.

As the mild winter winds down and we move into springtime the home buying market starts to see lots of action on the positive side of the home buying, building and selling process.  From early March through April you are reminded by the Parade of Homes which features new homes in every neighborhood throughout the metro.  You are continually notified that the mortgage rates are at historic lows and the opportunity to purchase at low prices is ever present.  Your friends and family members are talking about looking at property and buying a home and you are starting to think about buying your first home?

I can’t stress enough the importance of being prepared.  Of understanding what you are getting yourself into, and of making a good decision regarding your new home purchase.  Buying a home is probably the largest purchase you’ll ever make.  Empower yourself with information to make smart decisions and become a successful homeowner.  Understand the home buying process and be prepared for the important choices related to home ownership. 

So remember you are not alone in the home buying process.  You have smart professionals available to arm you with all of the information you need to make good decisions.  And, once you have the confidence and knowledge to move forward.  I am here to help you bring your desire to own a home to fruition, so that you too can realize the dream of homeownership.

Owen Riess