Experiences From First Time Home Buyers

May 26, 2015

U-Haul team members are not only moving experts, but also have their share of home buying experience. Recently, they were asked to share their a bit of information on what their first home buying experience was like.

Team member Ken Schneider said his experience wasn’t always perfect, but it was exciting.

“My first time buying experience was part stressful, part exciting, and part ignorance. There is a lot of moving parts from getting a pre-approval to picking out the new paint colors. We had some credit things to address before we could get approved and had to wait some time before we could move forward. It was hard not looking for houses until we knew we had the approval. Once that happened the rest was exciting; looking at houses, then finding one and picking out the colors of the walls. The amount of things you sign when you get the keys is a ton and no one really can prepare you for it till you actually go through it.”First Time Home Buyers

Keep careful track of all paperwork

Between the bank home loan and your realtor, you will receive a lot of important paperwork. It’s important you keep it all labeled and in the same place for easy reference.

Team member Zofia Sells had this to say:

“Set yourself up for success by creating a folder with all your home documents ready at your disposal. Keep a file on your computer with all correspondence and documents so they are easily available.”

Negotiate closing costs

Closing costs usually include all the fees and commissions associated with the sale and purchase of a home. You can need to be aware who will cover these fees. Depending on negotiations this can fall either on you or the seller.

Team member David McMeekin recommends the following:

“During the purchasing process you may be able to negotiate that the seller covers the closing costs. You should ask your real estate agent what the closing costs will typically be in your city at your price range.”

What can you share about your experience as a  first time home buyer? Share in the comments below.

More articles like this one…

What’s New

U-Haul Supports Tillman Scholars at 20th Annual Pat’s Run

U-Haul Supports Tillman Scholars at 20th Annual Pat’s Run

A determined group of U-Haul® Team Members and 30,000 likeminded neighbors raced 4.2 miles to honor the life of Pat Tillman and raise money for more than 850 Tillman Scholars. The 20th annual Pat’s Run took place April 13 in Tempe, where Tillman attended school and...

U-Haul Volunteers Gain Satisfaction from Service at St. Mary’s

U-Haul Volunteers Gain Satisfaction from Service at St. Mary’s

U-Haul® volunteers recently helped St. Mary’s Food Bank put a fresh spin on its mission to provide food for people in need across Arizona. Thanks to St. Mary’s partnership with meal-kit company HelloFresh®, people facing food insecurity can now receive both an...

Texas Panhandle Wildfires: U-Haul Offering 30 Days Free Storage

Texas Panhandle Wildfires: U-Haul Offering 30 Days Free Storage

U-Haul® is offering 30 days of free self-storage and U-Box® container usage to residents impacted by the wildfires across the Texas panhandle. The Smokehouse Creek Fire started on Monday and has burned more than 1 million acres. It’s the largest in the state’s...

U-Haul and ACS Join Forces in Climb to Conquer Cancer

U-Haul and ACS Join Forces in Climb to Conquer Cancer

The Climb to Conquer Cancer of Phoenix is the American Cancer Society’s largest single-day climb event in the world. Every February in Arizona, thousands of cancer survivors, family members, caregivers and supporters participate in the Climb to Conquer Cancer. U-Haul...

U-Haul, Tribute Journey Spread Valentine’s Day Love to Veterans

U-Haul, Tribute Journey Spread Valentine’s Day Love to Veterans

February 14 is not just Valentine's Day. It is recognized as a National Salute to Veteran Patients day. During Valentine's Day week each year, U-Haul and the Tribute Journey say “thank you” to veterans of the U.S. Armed Services who are cared for in Department of...

U-Haul International Moves with U-Box Makes Moving Abroad Easy

U-Haul International Moves with U-Box Makes Moving Abroad Easy

Every new year invites new adventures. If your 2024 adventures include moving abroad, U-Haul International Moves® is equipped and licensed to support your exciting transition each step of the way. The U-Haul® brand is known globally for empowering do-it-yourself...