Madison Area First Time Home Buyers Guide
You're Buying your First Home!
Congratulations on your big decision! Each year we help many first-time home buyers achieve their dream of home ownership. Whether you're seeking a home or a condo, our entire team is here to serve you with all of the time, attention, and resources you need to start building equity and start making memories in your new home.
Buying Your Home in 3 Simple Steps:
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Gain insight and knowledge.
Learn more about the market and the home buying process, and without any of the spin. We're constantly refreshing our market blog and buyers blog with timely updates and practical tips.
More First Time Tips
1) Choose a full-time buyer specialist.
Someone who knows the inventory of homes and condos in the Madison area, and who will represent your best interests until the day you receive your keys at the closing table. Our real estate agents are dedicated to helping you find the very best home for your needs, at the very best possible price.
Education is an important key for many first time home buyers. When you hire us to help you buy your home, we provide you with educational resources that will teach you about both the home purchase and mortgage process. Our goal is to make sure you become knowledgeable and comfortable with every step along the way.
2) Work with a lender who is a good fit for your needs.
One of your very first steps in your journey toward home ownership should include a visit with an experienced, Madison area lender. We can refer you to a lender who has the experience and background that are a great fit for your needs. When you meet with your lender, you'll want to learn about the variety of home loan programs that are available to you, including mortgage products that are designed specifically for first time home buyers. You'll also want to receive your mortgage preapproval, so you know how large a loan you can comfortably afford.
3) Work with the right home inspector.
A home inspector will complete a thorough review of your property before you go ahead with your purchase. An inspection typically lasts about 3 hours, and we attend your inspection with you. A quality home inspector will identify any defects that could potentially affect the value and safety of your home. When your inspector does find defects, we help you negotiate your desired outcome with the seller.
A home inspection also offers you a great opportunity to learn about home maintenance and how to care for your home over the long-term. A good home inspector will share their knowledge about proper home maintenance, and provide tips on how you can avoid costly repair bills down the road.
4) Work with the right insurance agent.
You'll want your home to be properly insured, and you'll want to work with an insurance agent who takes the time to explain to you all of the ins and outs of your policy. At the same time, you'll want to pay a competitive rate. We're here to connect you with an insurance professional who will give you peace of mind about your biggest investment.
5) Work with a team of buyer experts that always puts your best interests first.
From the first interview that determines your requirements to the moment that you receive your keys, we guide you through the entire process, step-by-step. Please contact us with all of your concerns and questions. We are here to answer all of your questions for you, and help you become comfortable with the home-buying process.
Buying your First Home with Mad City Dream Homes
Learn from our client, Carolyn, who shares her experience.
Our Results
In the last 6 years we've helped over 500 families and dozens of first-time buyers with their real estate purchase in South Central Wisconsin.
(Our home buying specialists serve Dane County and surrounding areas.)
Rent vs Buy Calculator
Find out your "break even point", which is the time it will take for the cost of buying your first home to become even with your cost of renting. This calculator also estimates your financial benefit of owning vs renting over time. Click here. If you'd like, we'd also be happy to perform this analysis for you.
Tap into Down Payment Assistance
We help a number of clients buy their first home with down payment assistance each year. Even better, there are a variety of programs in Dane County that offer grants that are forgivable (not required to be paid back) and stackable (you can qualify for more than one).
Income limits apply, but our team and mortgage specialists are here to help you make sense of the details. Reach out to our team or take this quiz to learn more.
First Time Buyer Reviews
"My husband and I had a wonderful experience working with Max Woods to purchase our first home! He was so patient and helpful throughout the entire process. He was always quick to respond to questions or requests for showings." -- Jamie
"Shelley Lazzareschi was a dream to work with! My partner and I just closed on our first condo after years of renting. She was attentive, supportive, and always willing to share her wealth of knowledge. We couldn’t be more grateful for her guidance!" -- Hannah
"Working with Chris Venden was a great experience as a first time home buyer! Chris walked us through the entire process which made it easy on us. Thank you so much, Chris! We love our new house. :) We look forward to working with you again in the future!" -- Mira
"There are really not words to explain how wonderful this team is. Dan was extremely patient with us during our home buying process. We thought we were ready but did not quite have the finances but he did not just write us off. Once we were fully ready, he walked us through the process. He provided excellent insight about the market. When he was not directly available, others stepped in seamlessly. Dan was there when we needed him most. Dan was an advocate for us even before we fully realized we needed an advocate. He even stayed in touch after the closing on our home." - Chris
"My family worked with Isabella to buy our first home and we had a wonderful experience. She responded quickly to all of our questions and showing requests and she was very proactive in contacting the listing agent when we needed additional information about a property." -- Nicole
"Lane was right there every step of the way for out first home buying journey. He was insightful, responsive, and always told us what we needed to hear. Thank you for everything Lane!" -- First Time Buyer in Sauk City
"Austin did an exceptional job assisting me through the home buying process. He always put things into terms I could understand. As a first time home buyer, I felt knowledgeable and prepared during the whole process, thanks to his hard work." -- Andrew
"Jennifer was an excellent realtor. My wife and I were first time homebuyers and she helped us every step of the way. Jennifer is super responsive and answered every single question knowledgeably." -- Zac
"As first time buyers in a hectic housing market, we didn't know much and had a low budget. Amanda proved perfect for our situation! She was very personable to work with and eager to share her knowledge despite our dozens of questions and many adventures into old fixer-upper homes. She was honest, prompt, and professional all the way." -- Libby
"Mad City Dream Homes exceeded my expectations for what real estate agents can do. Shelley and Max treat each client with respect and understanding for their own individual vision and personal needs. They never once rushed me or made me doubt myself. In fact, I felt supported and empowered throughout the entire home buying process, even as a first-time home buyer. I never leave Google reviews, but I owe it to the next person who considers Mad City Dream Homes because the glowing reviews I read here are what first made me reach out to them, and I am so grateful that I did.." - Kevin
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This info is provided courtesy of your first time home buyer specialists at MadCityDreamHomes.com.
Please fill out the form below and tell us more about your plans for buying your first home in the Madison area. One of our specialists will contact you promptly.
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