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

Storm Recovery: U-Haul Offers 30 Days Free Storage at 366 Centers

Storm Recovery: U-Haul Offers 30 Days Free Storage at 366 Centers

U-Haul® has made 366 Company stores available to help storm victims with 30 days of free self-storage and U-Box® container usage after a powerful weather system produced deadly tornadoes, fires, flooding and wind damage across a line of states Friday through...

Disaster Relief: U-Haul Offers 30 Days Free Storage in Oklahoma

Disaster Relief: U-Haul Offers 30 Days Free Storage in Oklahoma

Three U-Haul® Companies in Oklahoma have made 16 centers available to provide 30 days of free self-storage and U-Box® container usage to residents affected by the wildfires and windstorms that wreaked havoc Friday across the Sooner State. Extreme winds sparked an...

U-Haul Volunteers Serve Dinner to People in Need at Andre House

U-Haul Volunteers Serve Dinner to People in Need at Andre House

U-Haul Team Members prepared and served 562 meals on Feb. 11 at André House, helping to feed Phoenix’s homeless population and other guests seeking a hot meal. The local nonprofit helps those in need by providing meals, showers and more at no cost. One of the...

U-Haul Climbs South Mountain, Raises Funds to Fight Cancer

U-Haul Climbs South Mountain, Raises Funds to Fight Cancer

More than 50 U-Haul Team Members woke early on Feb. 22 to scale a 5.5-mile route up and down South Mountain’s Summit Road in Phoenix, Ariz. This quest was more than some Saturday morning exercise routine. It was a climb for a cause: the fight against cancer. U-Haul...

Jay Harris Honored as 2024 U-Haul Volunteer of the Year

Jay Harris Honored as 2024 U-Haul Volunteer of the Year

Jay Harris, program manager for the U-Haul Digital Asset Management team, has always loved giving back and serving others. “I started out volunteering as a kid by tagging along with my mom at the local Ronald McDonald House,” Harris said. “Since then, I’ve made it a...

U-Haul Growth Index: Alberta Top Province, Calgary Top City of 2024

U-Haul Growth Index: Alberta Top Province, Calgary Top City of 2024

Alberta is the leading Canadian growth province for the second straight year, according to U-Haul® Growth Index data analyzing for one-way customer transactions during 2024. Alberta’s two largest cities, Calgary and Edmonton, are also the top two growth cities in...