Buying your first home is somehow the best decision you will ever make in your life. However, the process of acquiring your first home is not as easy as you may think. You might be ready to own a home, but lack an idea about where to start and what steps to follow. Buying a home, being a major decision in life requires sufficient attention. It should be planned, researched and budgeted appropriately. If you are ready to buy your first home, this book will take you through the home buying process and give you important tips about your dream of owning a home. It will serve as an ultimate guide for a first home buyer who is ready to become a homeowner. Read it and let it assist you to make a wise decision. What You'll Get Inside: CHAPTER 1. BUYING YOUR FIRST HOME TIPS What kind of home meets your expectations? Location Space and Basic home amenities Construction and exterior design Specific home features Mortgage eligibility Consider your budget Who will assist you throughout the home search and purchase process? Explore Mortgage options Hire a surveyor or solicitor Always inspect a home before making an offer Learn how to make offers Make sure you understand all terms and conditions before signing any document CHAPTER 2. THE HOME BUYING PROCESS Have your down payment ready Meet the criteria for Mortgage award Make up your mind on Where and what to buy Find a Real Estate Agent Visit Available Properties Making the offer Secure the Mortgage Conduct Home Inspections Obtain Insurance Close Move in CHAPTER 3. FIRST HOME OWNERS GRANTS AND MORTGAGE Mortgage Mortgage payment Fixed-rate mortgages Grants for first time home buyers MAJOR UPFRONT COSTS Down payment Valuation fee Surveyor's fee Legal fees Electronic transfer fee Stamp duty Lack of pre-approval Failure to conduct research Inadequate knowledge about the sales process Not exploring the property in detail before buying Not selecting the right location Failure to perform inspection Poor management of decisions Avoid negative emotions Don't go beyond your budget Take a Sneak Peak Inside (page 21): "Would you like to purchase your first home, but you fear that you cannot afford your dream home at the moment? Right, don't worry any more. Keep your dream of owning a new home alive, we have good news for you. Think about grants and mortgage for first home owners. Grants and mortgages are sources of funding that are meant to help you meet the costs of purchasing a home. Mortgage A mortgage is a loan borrowed from a bank or any financial institution by a property buyer. The loan is secured by the property being purchased. A mortgage is an essential source of funding that helps first time home buyers meet their dreams of owning a home. With a mortgage, you don't have to pay the whole amount at once in order to own a property. You make a certain deposit and the remaining amount can be cleared in installments. In simple terms, it's like the mortgage company purchases the property and then sells it to you. They pay the seller cash and the ownership is transferred to you."