5 Things Every First-Time Homebuyer in Memphis Needs to Know

Buying your first home in Memphis is exciting. It can also feel overwhelming — especially if no one has ever walked you through it. Here are five things I tell every first-time buyer I work with.

1. Get pre-approved before you start shopping. This is not optional. In this market, if you find a home you love and you're not pre-approved, someone else will buy it. A pre-approval letter also tells you exactly what you can afford, so you're not falling in love with something out of reach.

2. Your monthly payment is more than the mortgage. A lot of buyers focus on the purchase price and forget about property taxes, homeowner's insurance, and HOA fees (if the neighborhood has one). Make sure you're budgeting for the full number, not just the loan payment.

3. Memphis neighborhoods are very different from each other. Bartlett feels nothing like Midtown. Germantown is a completely different vibe from Raleigh. Before you start looking at houses, let's talk about where you actually want to live — commute, schools, lifestyle. That saves a lot of time.

4. You don't have to figure this out alone. Working with a Realtor could cost you nothing as a buyer. My commission is asked to be paid by the seller. So you get someone in your corner — advising you, negotiating for you, explaining every document — at zero cost to you.

5. Ask every question. There are no silly ones. I've walked clients through this process in English and in Spanish. The questions never get old. If you're confused about something, that's my job to explain — as many times as it takes.

Ready to start? Call or text me at (901) 374-8225. I'm here.

— Carlos Hurtado, Bilingual Realtor | Myers Cobb Realtors | Memphis, TN