Buying a home is an important investment, and the experienced professionals at Leo Lawrence Real Estate will guide you through the sometimes-confusing process of home buying. We recognize that your time is valuable, and we work to make purchasing your home as easy as possible. As licensed REALTOR®, we have up-to-the-minute access to most homes for sale, often before they even go ‘on the market’. We will set up customized searches based on your interests and criteria, and save you time by only showing you homes that meet your needs. Our established relationships with lenders , title companies, inspectors and other vendors also simplify this process, saving you time and money.

Buyers often have questions about the buying process. Even if you have purchased property in the past, Real Estate laws and customs change frequently, and our agents regularly participate in continuing education to stay on top of recent changes. We have compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions to help educate you about buying a home. We consider this list a starting point, and are always available to answer additional questions and provide more comprehensive information.

Leo Lawrence Real Estate is a small, locally owned, family business accustomed to helping families find their dream home. Email or call us at 636-561-4422 today, or fill out a Client Worksheet and return it to us for more information.

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A Message from Leo for First Time Homebuyers:

For many years now, I've counseled many first time homebuyers, either directly or through the agents who were assisting them. My message has always been that first time homebuyers with limited money should buy their first home first. It’s pretty simplistic advice, I know, but the purpose is to try to keep the first time homebuyer focused on their objective. Let me explain.

When entering the home ownership marketplace for the first time, of course you are going to buy your first home first. The problem is that many first time homebuyers of limited money don't view this first home purchase as a step toward their dream home and the result is that the American Dream of home ownership remains just that, a dream. Those in this group continue to dream about home ownership because they are trying to accomplish something incredibly difficult. They are trying to buy their second home first, but they are not yet financially able to do so. Buying and then selling their first home is what gives most people the financial wherewithal to buy their second home.

As REALTORS®, we are promoters and protectors of the American Dream of homeowner ship. We want to help people achieve their dream, not just keep dreaming about it.

In order to do that, very often we need to convince first time homebuyers to buy their first house first. So if you’re out there and dreaming, this message is for you. It’s to those of you who really want to own your own home, but are waiting to save up more down payment and closing cost money to get that “perfect” house, the house that you will be happy with for many, many years.

My message is simple. You are trying to buy your second home first and the opportunity to buy your first home may be slipping away from you. Be aware that while you are saving, the cost for the style and location of the house you are dreaming about is probably increasing much faster than your ability to achieve your savings goal. Buy your first one now with the means available now.

Long ago, my wife and I achieved the American Dream of home ownership, but we still don’t live in our dream home, even though we are, for the most part, quite comfortable and satisfied with our digs. While we have bought and either sold or kept dozens of houses along the way, five of these have been home to our family. It all started with buying our first home first.
Simply stated, had we not bought that first home with a minimal down payment, we could not have afforded our second home. It was the appreciation in value of the first home that provided the funds for us to upgrade to our second home, and so on.

Short of winning the lottery or getting a sizable inheritance, trying to save for that larger down payment to get that bigger or better house is trying to buy your second home first. And while it’s possible, it certainly seems ill advised. While you are struggling to save one or two hundred dollars per month, that style house in the location that you want may well be appreciating five to ten times that amount. You may never be able to catch up to the increasing home values unless you buy what you can afford now, then move up later with your equity gain on your first home. Your first home needs to be viewed as a stepping-stone en route to your dream home.

Make a list of what it is that you want in your first home, keeping in mind that this is your first home and not your second or last one. Begin your list with those features that are absolutely essential, and then add other features that you would like to have but could live without. If you’re like most people, you'll have to take some of the ‘wants’ off of your list and be satisfied with a bit less or even a lot less for your first home.

As you move on to your second and third home, and as your needs change, you should be building wealth (equity) that will enable you to fulfill, not only those new needs but more of your wants. Will you ever stop dreaming? Maybe or maybe not, but along the way, you will be living the American Dream of Home Ownership.

Don’t wait any longer to buy your first home first. Call Leo Lawrence Real Estate today.