Buying my first home.

[Christopher Merrow]

Hey everyone, I am in the Jacksonville, Fl area and I just got my pre-approval for my first home. I have a real estate agent that I was referred to named Paul and we plan on looking at some houses next week. Living in Jacksonville my entire life, I know the area relatively well and which areas to avoid, but advice is always helpful no matter who you are. I am using the Florida bond program that gives you 15k for down payment and closing cost assistance and under that program I use a HRA loan at 4.5%. Another program I am considering compounding with the Florida bond program is the offer Fannie Mae has where if you buy one of their homes they will pay 3.5% on closing costs. Any advice on areas to look that are up and coming or specific areas to avoid from investors in the area are greatly appreciated. I will be in the home for about 5 years and I plan on purchasing another home and renting this property out so it has to be a place I enjoy and can eventually rent out. Thank you everyone in advance for any advice or suggestions on how to go about this. Christopher "Jordan" Merrow