Date of Award:

8-2012

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Human Development and Family Studies

Department name when degree awarded

Family, Consumer, and Human Development

Committee Chair(s)

Lucy M. Delgadillo

Committee

Lucy M. Delgadillo

Committee

Roxane Pfister

Committee

Jean M. Lown

Abstract

Realtors are usually homebuyers' first contact in buying a home. It is the realtor's goal to work in the best interest of the client. Agents provide all avenues of opportunity to first-time homebuyers (FTHBs) such as FTHB programs, mortgage options, and connections with inspectors, appraisers, and title companies. Realtors work with clients and other real estate agents in connecting sellers and buyers and creating real estate transactions. FTHBs have the option to trust their agents wholeheartedly and accept what they are saying to be true and in their best interest, or they can become educated about the home-buying process and know what FTHB programs and mortgage options are available to them. This study identified, from the perception of real tors, how prepared FTHBs are when purchasing a home and discovered what kind of problems arose during the home-buying process. This study also identified how realtors characterized: FTHBs who were prepared, usefulness ofFTHB workshops, FTHBs' mortgage knowledge, and recommendations to better prepare FTHBs.

Realtors who are associated with the Cache Rich Association of Realtors (CRAR), a professional association oflicensed real estate agents in Northern Utah, were asked to participate in an emailed survey. A total of 66 realtors responded and returned the survey.

Based on the results of this study, realtors find FTHBs not well-prepared for homeownership. FTHBs did not have their personal finances in order and did not understand the cost and process of obtaining a mortgage. Realtors also reported that the most :frequent problem or issue that arose during the home-buying process was obtaining a mortgage. FTHB workshops were perceived to be useful and beneficial because they prepare FTHBs for buying a home.

Results also indicated that mortgage knowledge and knowledge about housing sustainability directly related to the level of pre-purchase preparedness of FTHBs. When pre-purchase preparedness levels were low, mortgage knowledge and knowledge about housing sustainability levels were also low. Realtors suggested that a FTHB would be better prepared for homeownership if they worked with a qualified realtor and network of professionals. They also suggested that FTHBs be educated on affordability and housing sustainability.

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Comments

This work made publicly available electronically on July 31, 2012.

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