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 Sponsors Event to Build Beds for Children in Need

U-Haul Sponsors Event to Build Beds for Children in Need

A group of U-Haul® volunteers recently spent a Saturday morning at the Sleep in Heavenly Peace workshop in Phoenix to help fulfill the nonprofit’s mission: “No kid sleeps on the floor in our town!” Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) Phoenix has been serving the needs of...

Tribute Journey Afternoon Tea Honors Gold Star Families in NYC

Tribute Journey Afternoon Tea Honors Gold Star Families in NYC

U-Haul® representatives, distinguished veterans, and active-duty military members paid tribute to Gold Star Families and others who have lost loved ones in the line of service during a special Memorial Day weekend event at the New York Stock Exchange. Before U-Haul...

Reyes Rings Bell for U-Haul at the New York Stock Exchange

Reyes Rings Bell for U-Haul at the New York Stock Exchange

U-Haul Holding Co.® graciously accepted the honor of ringing in Memorial Day weekend on Friday, May 22, presiding over the New York Stock Exchange’s closing bell ceremony. Sebastien Reyes, President of A&M Associates, the advertising and marketing wing of U-Haul...

Game-Changer: U-Haul Debuts 29-Foot Truck to Make Moving Easier

Game-Changer: U-Haul Debuts 29-Foot Truck to Make Moving Easier

There is a new titan of moving trucks on the roads thanks to the latest U-Haul® vision for a vehicle that is easier to load, drive and move a lot more stuff. The U-Haul “Easy Mover” (EM) truck with a 29-foot-long cargo space arrives just in time for the busy summer...

Minnesota Wildfires: U-Haul Offers Disaster Relief at 3 Stores

Minnesota Wildfires: U-Haul Offers Disaster Relief at 3 Stores

U-Haul® is offering 30 days of free self-storage and U-Box® container use at three Company facilities in northern Minnesota and Wisconsin for residents displaced by wildfires burning in Crow Wing and Lake Counties. Two large fires have forced evacuations across...