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November 23rd, 2020 by

Homebuying Details - Counselor Realty

Whether you're most interested in Minneapolis homes for sale, Saint Paul homes for sale, or homes anywhere else throughout the Twin Cities region, one key fact remains the same: There are plenty of little details that can make your homebuying journey much easier … or much harder!

All in all, buying a home isn't as intimidating as it might look in the beginning. But the process can have its twists and turns, and the best way to navigate is with the help of an expert. Your real estate agent is your staunchest ally, getting you to closing day with the minimum number of surprises.

No matter what questions you have – and most first-time buyers understandably have plenty of them – your Realtor can help. He or she is always thinking two steps ahead, so you're never in the position of feeling lost or not knowing what to do next.

Let's take a closer look at how a real estate pro helps you reach your goals:

  1. Find Financing Faster with Professional Help
    Financing is often the issue first-time homebuyers worry about the most. Your real estate agent can't tell you which lender is right for you but can get you on the path to comparing your options by letting you know which lenders have worked successfully with first-time buyers in the past. By discussing your needs with 3-5 lenders, you can find the one who matches you best and pursue pre-approval, which lets you bid on a home right away.

  2. Access Special First-Time Buyer Programs
    There are dozens of programs out there, especially for first-time homebuyers. Many of them are backed by the federal government, establishing rules that make it easier to find a mortgage and keep the process fair for all. But exploring all these options and figuring out your eligibility can be a headache. It's your Realtor to the rescue with the inside information you need to make a decision and start an application.

  3. Narrow Down Your Home Search Quickly
    Real estate markets move fast, but it might take months to find the right home when you browse listings on your own. With the perspective offered by your agent, you can clarify your goals, prioritize, and zoom in on a great home. Experienced agents know how to find exciting properties and keep you in the loop every week. Moving just that bit faster can make the difference in getting the home you really want.

  4. Avoid Unexpected Home Repair Issues
    As you get closer to making an offer on a property, getting a home inspection done becomes very important. An inspection protects you from buying a home with critical wiring, sewer, roofing, or HVAC issues, among others. Many mortgage lenders require an inspector's report before they will finance a property. Your agent can recommend trusted local home inspectors who will get the job done right.

  5. Negotiate for a Better Home Bargain
    Not everyone is a natural-born negotiator. With the right real estate agent, you don't have to be. He or she can advise you on strategy or head to the bargaining table on your behalf. That can help you in situations where the home inspection turns up problems, there are lots of buyers to compete with, or any of a number of other tough challenges. You'll also have an extra pair of eyes to help you spot pitfalls and walk away if you need to.

Buying a home is an adventure worth taking, but you don't have to do it alone. Counselor Realty is here to help make the journey easier. Call today to find out more.

Categories: Buy a Home
Tags: Counselor Realty, St. Paul MN, First-time buyers, Minneapolis MN, Buy a house, Credit Score, Mortgage, Homebuying tips
Related Markets: Minneapolis, Saint Paul
Thomas Simonsen, Metrowide Team
Thomas Simonsen, Metrowide Team Office: (612) 978-2585 Cell: (612) 978-2585 Fax: (952) 921-0145 Email Me
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Agency License Information: Counselor Realty, Inc. is licensed in Minnesota and Wisconsin; Counselor Realty, Inc. of Alexandria is licensed in Minnesota; Counselor Realty Detroit Lakes, LLC is licensed in Minnesota; Counselor Realty of Rochester is licensed in Minnesota; Counselor Realty of Victoria, LLC is licensed in Minnesota; Counselor Realty of Brainerd is licensed in Minnesota.

Disclaimer: All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) or information provider(s) shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless. Listing(s) information is provided for consumers personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Information on this site was last updated 03/06/2026. The listing information on this page last changed on 03/06/2026. The data relating to real estate for sale on this website comes in part from the Internet Data Exchange program of Delta Media Group MLS (last updated Fri 03/06/2026 3:09:18 AM EST) or RMLS-MN MLS (last updated Fri 03/06/2026 12:02:34 AM EST). Real estate listings held by brokerage firms other than Counselor Realty may be marked with the Internet Data Exchange logo and detailed information about those properties will include the name of the listing broker(s) when required by the MLS. All rights reserved.



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