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Purchasing your first home can be an exciting and daunting task. There are a number of points that first time home buyers should look at, but many of these people do not know what they are. Looking at these points ensures that you find a home that suits your needs and your finances. The first point that you should look at is the cost of the property. You need to find out what other houses in the area are selling for to see if you are paying too much. There are a number of websites that tell you what the housing costs are for the area you are looking at.

The second point you need to look at is what you can actually afford.  Many first time buyers have their hearts set on a house that is out of their price range.  You should use a mortgage calculator to determine what your price range is.  Of course, the amount you get with the calculator will be the maximum you have to spend. 
 
A point that many new home buyers do not think about is the additional costs of the house.  You need to think about the taxes you have to pay and what insurance will cost for the house.  The insurance you pay will be related to the house and the area it is in.  There are a number of online tools that you can use to calculate what your monthly costs will be. 
 
When you buy a house you are liable for the closing costs and you have to find out what this will be.  These costs will vary depending on the area you are in and the estate agent you are using.  These closing costs also include the upfront costs of getting settled into the house. 
 
You need to calculate how the new house fits into your budget.  There is no point in getting a mortgage for the house only to spend all you money paying this off and struggling to pay everything else.  You have to take an objective look at your monthly budget and determine whether or not the cost of the house can be covered. 
 
Another point that first time buyers should consider is the housing market.  Talking to an estate agent will help you determine whether or not this is the right time to buy a house.  It is possible that the housing prices will fall in the near future and an agent should be able to tell you about this.   
 
When you find the house you want to buy you have to take a good look at it.  Consider all the costs of fixing the house and making it habitable.  You need to look for cracks, lifting tiles and ask about the roof and plumbing.  Problems with these areas can cost you a lot of money before you are able to move in. 
 
When you look at buying a house for the first time you have to consider a number of points.  You have to make sure you are getting a good price and that it within your budget.  You also have to think about all the additional costs to buying the house.