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Homebuyer Bootcamp: House Hunting Like a Pro

Home for sale.

The second session of People Driven Credit Union’s Homebuyer Bootcamp focuses on one of the most exciting steps in the homebuying journey—house hunting. In House Hunting Like a Pro, we provide essential insights into finding the right home, touring properties effectively, and making a strong offer.

Watch the recorded session below for free and download key resources to help you take steps toward homeownership.

 

Homebuyer Bootcamp Session 1: House Hunting Like a Pro Highlights

1. Understanding Market Conditions

Knowing whether you are in a buyer’s or seller’s market can impact your home search. We cover:

  • The difference between a buyer’s market (more inventory, better deals) and a seller’s market (higher competition, rising prices).
  • How Days on Market (DOM) can indicate a home’s competitiveness.
  • Why understanding seasonal trends can help you buy at the right time.

2. Defining Your Dream Home

Before searching, it’s important to create a list of your home “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves.” We discuss:

  • How to determine your needs vs. wants (e.g., location, size, features).
  • Considering future needs such as resale value, family growth, and commute times.
  • Recognizing deal breakers vs. flexible features when evaluating homes.

3. The Best Tools for Your Home Search

Finding a home is easier when you use the right tools. We cover:

  • The benefits of using Multiple Listing Service (MLS), Zillow, and local listings.
  • How working with a real estate agent can give you access to exclusive listings.
  • Attending open houses and virtual tours to narrow down your choices.
  • Setting up alerts and tracking favorite homes to act quickly when the right one comes along.

4. Touring Homes Like a Pro

When visiting homes, it’s important to stay organized. We cover:

  • What to bring on home tours, including a checklist, notepad, and phone for photos.
  • Key factors to evaluate: layout, condition, natural light, storage space.
  • Red flags to watch for: foundation cracks, water damage, outdated systems.
  • Questions to ask the real estate agent about the home’s history and pricing.

5. Making a Strong, Smart Offer

Once you find the right home, making the right offer is crucial. This session explained:

  • How to understand fair market value and avoid overpaying.
  • Crafting a competitive offer that includes price, contingencies, and seller motivations.
  • How contingencies such as home inspection, appraisal, and financing protect you.
  • The importance of earnest money deposits and negotiation strategies.

 

Watch the Full Webinar Recording

Watch the complete Homebuyer Bootcamp: House Hunting Like a Pro webinar here:

 

Download Your Free Resources

1. Home Comparison Worksheet

Use this worksheet to compare the homes you tour and make an informed decision.

Download the Home Comparison Worksheet

2. Homebuyer Bootcamp: House Hunting Like a Pro Presentation

Get the full slide deck from the session, covering everything we discussed in detail.

Download the HBBC: House Hunting Like a Pro Presentation

 

Join Us for the Next Session

Watch our next Homebuyer Bootcamp session, The Mortgage Process Uncovered. You’ll learn how to:

  • Understand different mortgage loan options.
  • Break down interest rates and how they impact your payments.
  • Prepare for closing costs and what to expect in the final steps.

Watch Homebuyer Bootcamp: The Mortgage Process Uncovered

Don’t miss out—this series is your ultimate guide to becoming a confident homebuyer.

Disclosures

Equal Housing Lender logo

Equal Housing Lender. Member First Mortgage, LLC (MFM) NMLS ID# 149532. All loans are subject to credit approval. Terms and conditions apply. Program availability is subject to change without notice.

Available to all members using a conventional mortgage loan program on a purchase transaction with People Driven Credit Union in the State of Michigan. Not eligible on multi-unit properties, condos, townhomes, or manufactured houses. The Loan Example is current as of 9/9/2025 and based on a $200,000 loan amount with a conventional 30-year fixed rate term (360 monthly principal and interest payments of $1,231.43); 0% Down Payment; 6.25% Interest Rate with an Annual Percentage Rate (APR) of 6.465%. Rates quoted assume excellent borrower credit history. Payment example does not include taxes and insurance; the actual payment obligation will be higher. The cost of Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is waived as part of this promotion, to be paid by the Lender. This is not a commitment to lend. All lending products are subject to credit and property approval. Additional restrictions may apply. Member First Mortgage, LLC (MFM) is a partner of People Driven Credit Union. Michelle Dzon #401292, is authorized to act as agent of People Driven Credit Union (24333 Lahser Road, Southfield, MI 48033 | (248) 263.4100 | NMLS ID: 776727) and is authorized to represent Member First Mortgage, LLC, a licensed Mortgage Lender/Servicer (Corporate Office: 616 44th Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49548 | (616) 538.1818 | NMLS ID: 149532). For licensing information, please visit www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org. Equal Housing Opportunity.

SAFE Act Compliance Testing:
We conduct annual independent testing of our mortgage compliance in accordance with the SAFE Act (Reg G) requirements.

All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Equal Housing Lender logo
People Driven Credit Union is an Equal Housing Opportunity Lender NMLS #776727

Membership Requirement:

All accounts and loans require membership at People Driven Credit Union. Membership is available to individuals who live, work, worship, or attend school in the State of Michigan, as well as relatives of current members. To complete an application for any account or loan, you will need the following information:
  • A valid Driver's License, State ID, or Passport with your current address
  • Your Social Security Number
A Membership Share Savings Account is required to establish membership at People Driven Credit Union. A $5 deposit secures your ownership share in the credit union and unlocks access to our full suite of products and services. This account earns 0.01% APY with a $5 minimum deposit.



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