Weichert, Realtors offers game plan for first time home buyers

Today's buyer's market offers a tremendous opportunity for those wishing to become a homeowner for the first time. Home prices are extremely affordable, there are plenty of homes to choose from and interest rates remain historically low.  When you consider the fact that first-time buyers can take full advantage of the cost savings offered by today's affordable prices, it's no wonder more than 2.5 million people bought a home for the first time in 2007, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR).  Still, while it must have been clear to so many that the current market offered a great time to realize their dream of owning a home, most probably had the same initial question: "Where do I start?"   Weichert, Realtors, one of the nation's largest privately held real estate companies, offers several steps first-time homebuyers can take to get the ball rolling: Location, Location, Location - The best place to start is by creating a list of the towns or specific communities where you would like to live. "Windows" Shop - Start by looking online to get an idea of what types of homes and features appeal to you. Determine What You Can Afford - Once you have an idea of where you wish to live and the features you like, the next course of action should be to figure out your price range. Real Estate 101 - First time buyers might consider attending a home buyer seminar to learn more. Finding the Right Agent - Now that you have a general understanding of real estate and what you are looking for, it's time to find a professional who can show you properties that meet your specific needs.