How to Buy Your Dream Home: A First-Time Buyer’s Survival Guide

Brookline, Massachusetts, is the perfect mix of urban and suburban living. Located just outside of Boston, Brookline is the perfect neighborhood for anyone looking for a beautiful home in a comfortable neighborhood. Brookline has charming, expansive homes that offer plenty of privacy as well as large outdoor spaces. The area has incredible public and private school options, and residents are highly involved in their community. Brookline is well connected to public transport and has access to several major train lines, as well as plenty of bus service. The pedestrian-friendly town is filled with protected bike lanes and sidewalks.

Brookline is located just minutes from Boston, and there are many bars, entertainment venues, and delicious restaurants that feature critically acclaimed chefs within the neighborhood.

Brookline is an incredible neighborhood to live in. Potential buyers will find a strong community feel, amazing schools, ample resources, and upscale real estate featuring modern and historical architecture. If you’re thinking of moving to Brookline, you’re probably wondering how you’re going to snag that perfect Brookline home for sale. Our guide will walk you through all of the steps you need to know in order to secure your slice of Brookline real estate.

The most crucial step when looking for a new home is to hire a great Real Estate Agent. Real Estate Agents are real estate professionals who will guide you through the entire home-buying process. They deeply understand market dynamics in your area and will often have information about new listings before they’re released to the public. They can help you find the perfect home that fits your needs and guide you through important decisions you’ll have to make when shopping for a home. Your agent will likely have recommendations if you need the help of another industry expert, such as a home inspector.

One of the best Real Estate Agents in the Brookline area is Prism Real Estate Group. Prism Real Estate Group has a fantastic team with extensive experience in the Brookline luxury market. They’re ready to help you get started on searching for available Brookline homes.

By the time you’ve started searching for homes, you should already have your finances secured and in place. If you haven’t, you should first work with your financial planner to determine what mortgage payment is manageable for your budget, if you need financing, or if you’re able to pay cash on a home. During this time, you should assess how much money you have saved for a down payment. Traditional mortgages require a down payment of 20% of the home price. However, many types of loans require a smaller down payment. Work with your mortgage lender to determine which loan is best for you.

Once you’ve figured out your budget, you’ll want to get pre-approved for a mortgage. This is where a lender agrees to lend you a certain amount of money for a home loan. Getting pre-approved is important because it shows sellers you are serious about making an offer.

Once you’ve found a great Real Estate Agent to work with, they will assist you in finding listings that match your criteria. At this time, it’s essential to have a list of your must-have items, such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you wish to have in a home. When you’ve found a listing that looks like a good fit, your Real Estate Agent will schedule an appointment for you to see the property in person. Photos and videos are great, but they only show you what the buyer wants you to see. It’s important to go to the property yourself to get a clear picture of the entire space. This will allow you to better understand the home's flow, the size of outdoor spaces, and available storage spaces.

Before or after the viewing, be sure to explore the surrounding area to get a good feel for the neighborhood. In Brookline, you’ll want to see if the home is close to public transport, what the neighboring homes look like, and what the noise level is in the area. During this time, also seek out any neighborhood amenities, such as community pools, picnic areas, parks, or trails, as well as its proximity to everyday essentials like schools, restaurants, doctor’s offices, or fitness facilities.

When viewing a home, bring a notepad or use the notes app in your phone to write down any meaningful information about the home’s features. As you see more Brookline homes, the details might blend together. Take down information about the size of the home, the size of each bedroom, what storage space is available, if appliances convey with the sale, how large the home’s lot size is, and when the home’s major systems, such as heating and air, were last updated. Also, jot down any amenities you love, such as granite countertops, a first-rate security system, walk-in closets, and more.

Once you’ve found the perfect home, made an offer, and had your offer accepted, you’ll want to undergo a home inspection. Home inspections are crucial, as they ensure the home you’re about to buy is structurally safe and free from hazards. You should always get a home inspection before buying.

Once your home inspection is clear, your real estate agent will work with the seller to close the deal. During this time, you’ll pay any outstanding fees, such as closing costs and the down payment, and sign paperwork. Once everything has been transferred, you will be given the keys to your new home.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned pro, you will want to work with a great Brookline Real Estate Agent who knows the ins and outs of the local market. Prism Real Estate Group’s team of real estate experts have ample experience selling and purchasing homes and investment properties, and they’re more than happy to walk you through every step of the process to ensure you find the home of your dreams.