Alumna Spotight: Paula Novacki, `14
Ever wondered what life after graduation will look like? Meet Paula Novacki!
As a recent graduate, you may be thinking of purchasing a home for the first time. Here are a few things I learned along the way as a first-time buyer:
Image from perfectagent.com.au
Unless you are able to pay in cash, you will need to compare different loan programs and lenders. A lender will determine your readiness to purchase a home by taking a thorough look at your finances.
An experienced buyer’s agent will serve as an advocate for you, the buyer, throughout the buying process and will help you make the most informed decisions. In many cases, your buyer’s agent will not charge you a fee for their services, but the assistance they can provide is valuable.
You will most likely need more than a few items to outfit your place as a new homeowner. Resist the urge to purchase appliances and furnishings (or a new car!) before your closing.
Looking back at my experience, one of the most helpful things my agent told me was to be patient. Buying a home required patience before, during and after the search. Having the right information on hand and the right people on your side can make the process run efficiently and with minimal stress.
Brooks Hearn is a two-time graduate of the University of South Carolina. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communications in 2007 and her Master of Public Administration in 2009. Brooks now resides in Summerville, SC (utilize this experienced home buyer's tips!) and currently serves on the Young Alumni Council.