Buying Your First Home in Bozeman, MT

Owning a home may be your dream! To make the purchase a happy and satisfying experience, ensure you are financially and mentally prepared for the responsibilities.

Some people think homeownership is like renting but with the power to have pets and paint the walls. While these privileges are available, they come with the responsibilities of a mortgage, taxes, and home maintenance. Prepare by taking stock of your finances; connect with your banker before looking at homes online.


Contact a buying specialist.

Home Buyer Timeline


Questions For First-Time Homeowners

Are you ready to buy?

Owning your own home is about more than just being able to decorate any way you like. It's about being prepared to maintain your home over the years, realizing that part of your income and time will go towards repairs and maintenance. It's about being willing to take the risks of home ownership with a realistic expectation of the rewards.

How much can you afford?

It can be discouraging to find that your salary won't stretch as far as the home you want to own. However, sacrificing a huge part of your income just to pay the mortgage can very quickly make home ownership a burden rather than a point of pride. It's better to buy a modest home now and look at purchasing your 'dream home' in a few years.

What is your debt-to-income ratio?

This is something that lenders take very seriously. Your overall debt should not be more than 40% of your income, and your housing debt should not be more than 32%. What 32% of your income will buy depends on where you want to live. In rural or downtrodden areas, for example, it can buy a very comfortable residence and ample acreage. In highly sought-after urban areas, however, it may not even buy a 400-square-foot bachelor suite.

What are your priorities in owning a home?

Do you like the idea of cleaning your own gutters? Do you shudder at the thought of lawn care? Would you rather just pay a fee every month and have everything done for you? Would obeying rules about when you can have your garbage cans out bother you, or do you want to live in a neighborhood where everything is 'just so'? The answers to these questions can help you narrow down the search for the right type of property for you.

You need a good agent.

Our real estate team is dedicated to helping you find the right home at the best price. We want you to find a home that will make you happy and successful in real estate ownership.

Keep your objectives in mind when visiting a home.

Sometimes the idea of owning a home can overwhelm your practical sense, so keep your feelings in check. Keep a list handy of the features that you need and want in a home, and judge each home by the list instead of by details that could distract you from your goal. When you're alone with your agent, you can go over the pros and cons of each home. We can help you stay on track while still keeping our eyes out for a great property.

Make the offer.

This can be a maze of "buyer", "seller", "chattels", "deposit", and "completion." We'll be happy to prepare the paperwork and go through it with you before submitting it. Remember, the seller may reject or counter your offer, so even at this late date, avoid setting your heart on the home you hope to own. You'll probably have to write a deposit check to the seller's broker that proves the seriousness of your offer.

Get all the necessary inspections done.

A home inspector will check for signs of harmful materials like asbestos, lead paint, and mold. They'll also check for evidence of pests, faulty wiring, and leaks. This is a crucial part of the home purchase. Not getting an inspection done means that you could be stuck in a home with a bad case of black mold and no recourse other than to pay for its removal. Inspections will cost a few hundred dollars. But again, this is more than worth it in the end. There are several licensed and certified home inspectors in the area that we'd be happy to recommend.

Do a final walk-through before closing the deal.

We'd be happy to do this with you to make sure that everything agreed upon is completed before the final signing.

From the first interview that determines your requirements to the moment that you receive the keys, we can help you with the complicated process of buying a home. Don't hesitate to contact us to learn more about how we can make the home-buying process easier!

Who you work with matters. See what our clients are saying:

Testimonials


Contact us today to get started

Provide a valid email address.
Newsletter consent