How to go about buying first house?

Bridger2: How to go about buying first house?
I will be moving to Jacksonville NC in November where I will be stationed for the next three years (Marine Corps). I am single without kids, but would like to buy my first house. I want to spend under 150K, and can pay 20% down. How do I go about researching the market for that area and finding out what my best options are? How do I find out whether asking price is fair for a particular house, etc? What steps should I take before buying?

Answers and Views:

Answer by Always 100 percent accurate
Do yourself a favor and rent for awhile or stay on base. Prices are going down so fast that you will probably loose your down payment in no time. Wait until the prices start going back up and the buy. By that time you should know the neighberhood better and know where to buy. Not trust real estate agents, they just want your money. You can do your research online. Just do a google search on real estate jacksonville. Zillow.com is a good site.

Answer by Neenie
In your case a realtor might be a good idea. They’ll be able to cater to your needs and find you exactly what you’re looking for since you’re probably not very familiar with the area.

Once you have a few housing options in front of you (this works best on existing homes) is to contact the county treasurer to ask what the property is assessed at and what the fair market value is at. Homes usually sell within a few thousand dollars of the FMV. Though this may not always be 100% reliable since remodling may have taken place on a property or it is a brand new building and hasn’t been reassessed recently.

Answer by melissaw219
I am a Realtor in Jacksonville. I would be happy to give you any info you need. There is no true way to research a market in a military town because the home prices are constantly fluctuating. The best way to find out if prices are fair and to get what you want is simple. Contact a Real Estate Agent. The service to the buyers is FREE. The sellers pay the commission and what you get in return is invaluable. I was in the Marines and I live in JVille. The schools here are great and there are sooo many homes on the market right now that sellers are paying closing costs to help the buyers. What you need to do is get your VA loan approval. VA finances 100% and if you can afford 20% down you can keep that down payment to either put torward your house or as a safety net for you and your family. I would love to send you some information on homes available. Call anytime. There is no pressure to buy if you call but I will promise you any info you need. One last thing..this area is growing all the time and there has not been a recent decline in home prices. I know a family who bought there home 2 yrs ago and sold with a 25k profit. Do not pay someone elses mortgage when you can be paying ou own.

Melissa Walker
Military Relocator
PH: 910-381-3754
email: [email protected]