Your Path to Homeownership. A Guide for First-Time Homebuyers in Birmingham

Your porch-style life in Birmingham is closer than you think.

By Lisandra Hernandez, REALTOR® at ARC Realty

👋 Come, have a seat on the porch with me — coffee in hand — and let me walk you step by step through what it’s like to buy your first home in Birmingham.

I want you to experience this journey with clarity, without unnecessary stress, and with all the excitement that comes with opening the door to your very own home.

🔑 Step 1: Review Your Finances

Before dreaming about the house, let’s start with peace of mind.

• How much can you comfortably afford?

• Do you have savings ready for the down payment, closing costs, and moving expenses?

👉 Remember: Alabama has special programs that support first-time buyers. They could be your springboard!

🤝 Step 2: Choose Your Agent (and Build Your Dream Team!)

Psss… this step is already covered 😉 👉 you’ve got me!

A good REALTOR® knows the local market, understands which neighborhoods fit your needs, and saves you countless headaches.

Also, in many cases the seller may cover your agent’s compensation fully or partially.

This step includes something very important: getting to know each other personally. We call this a buyer consultation — it’s where we talk about your goals, budget, expectations, and everything you need on your path to homeownership.

This consultation is usually followed by the buyer representation agreement, which ensures you have a dedicated ally working exclusively for you throughout the process.

🏡 Step 3: Search and Evaluate Homes

Here’s where the fun begins: touring properties, imagining your life in each space, and discovering neighborhoods.

To make our search even clearer and more effective, I’ll ask you to share a few photos of homes you like. With those images, we’ll create a Visual Board — so we both have a shared vision of the style of home you’re looking for. This makes the process smoother and ensures every showing counts.

• Don’t dismiss a house too quickly over details like wall colors or yard condition — sometimes a simple update can turn it into your dream home.

• Stroll through the neighborhood at different times of the day and week: the community vibe is just as important as the house itself.

💳 Step 4: Pre-Qualification and Pre-Approval

This is where you get your buying power. You’ll need:

• Pay stubs

• W2 forms

• Bank statements

👉 Your current immigration status can impact the type of loan you qualify for, the down payment required, and even your access to assistance programs.

That’s why it’s essential to work with lenders who understand these differences and can guide you according to your specific situation.

💡 Tip: Avoid opening new lines of credit or making big purchases during this process.

✍️ Step 5: Offer, Negotiation, and Contract

When you find the home, your agent prepares the offer based on market prices and your terms.

• The contract gives you time and deadlines for inspections and financing.

• If all goes smoothly, you’ll be under contract and on your way to closing!

📑 Step 6: Inspections, Appraisal, and Closing

Your lender will order an appraisal and review the financing. Meanwhile, with your inspector, you’ll make sure everything checks out.

Finally comes the closing: you sign, transfer funds, and… 🎉 you get the keys to your new home!

📌 Extra Tips

• Use the 28/36 rule to calculate your budget (housing costs ≤ 28% of your income, total debts ≤ 36%).

• Save extra for moving costs, initial improvements, and repairs.

• Keep a home maintenance calendar: from checking roofs and gutters in spring, to testing fire extinguishers in winter.

🤗 You’re Not Alone in the Process

As your REALTOR® and neighbor in Birmingham, I’m here to:

• Connect you with trusted lenders

• Recommend inspectors, contractors, and insurance providers

• Be your ally from start to finish

💬 You are also part of the American Dream. Buying your first home isn’t just a transaction: it’s about building roots, community, and memories.

👉 Ready to take the first step? I’ll be right here to walk it with you — coffee in hand, on your path to homeownership. ☕️🏡

📞 205.276.5363 | ✉️ lhernandez@arcrealtyco.com