Helping First Time Home Buyers with the Process (An Interview)

Buying a home for the first time can be stressful. In the following interview, Dave Kleh, Realtor at Conroy & Company – KW Vermont Real Estate, provides some of the advice he gives his first time homebuyers when they’re going through the process as well as his advice to them for the future.

What is it like working with buyers who are purchasing for the first time?

Buyers may know what’s on their wish list such as “location, number of bedrooms, and a garage.” However many first time homebuyers don’t know about the important things like the roof, windows, and furnace. I want to make sure they know if they’re going to buy an old house with old windows, they need to have a budget to replace them. That’s the type of thing that they really look to a professional like me for. A lot of people don’t realize there are different types of heating systems – forced hot air, baseboard, radiant… and even different types of heat like gas, electric, or propane.

A lot of education is involved. I often times feel like a teacher or a parent to some of my buyers. I do everything I can to make sure they don’t buy a house that may have too many unforeseen repairs that they can’t repair.

What advice do you give first time homebuyers about their future?

I always consult with them about their exit strategy. If they’re finding issues with a house, for instance, if it’s next to a busy highway, chances are, you’re going to have issues with buyers when you go to sell it. The average American family moves every 7 years. Start with something small, built up some equity, and build up to your next house.

On average, how long does it take to buy?

It all depends on the buyers. Some folks buy right away while others take a bit longer. I’ve had some buyers lose their job mid-search and they called me 2 years later when they were able to begin looking again. It’s rewarding to be a part of their journey.

What should buyers do prior to beginning a home search?

They should first meet with me to consult about the home buying process. They then should go to a bank and get pre-approved so they can find out how much they can afford.

What to you like most about working with buyers and sellers?

The best part is when the closing is done and the people own a house. They’re euphoric – they have butterflies. They’re happy and excited to be starting a new life in their new home. All along the way, I’m their “property manager”, “psychologist”, Realtor, etc… but at the end of the day, when they’ve gotten their keys and deed, it’s just the nicest feeling when you’ve helped them get to that point.

How did you get into real estate?

I owned a local business, Pizza Putt, for 13.5 years and decided to do something different at 47 years old. After I sold the business, I acquired my real estate license. I was always interested in real estate, and several friends encouraged me to become a Realtor. I got the study books, took the tests, and passed both the national and state tests with high 90’s.

For over a decade, Dave has been selling real estate in the Greater Burlington area. He began selling real estate in 2005, joined KW Vermont in 2010 and Company & Company in 2012. You can ask Dave any of your real estate questions at [email protected] or 802-363-1820.

Conroy & Company is a Keller Williams Vermont team of Realtors located in South Burlington, Vermont. Our mission is to serve our clients with the highest level of personal commitment to helping them reach their goals. Our focus is to bring the latest technology and marketing skills to our clients, and do so in the most personal, hands on way possible. Our collaborative, strength in numbers approach to exceeding your expectations, has helped keep us in the top 2% of Vermont agents/teams ever since 2003.