Bloomington · First-Time Buyers
Your First Home in Bloomington
Learn how buying works before you shop, explained in plain words, so you know what you're signing.
Buying your first home in Bloomington
Our office is in Bloomington, and helping first-time buyers is the foundation of our work. I'm Lesley, a REALTOR® with Bridge Realty.
What should a first-time buyer know about Bloomington? Most homes for sale are existing homes, so the inspection matters. Bloomington also requires sellers to complete a city Time-of-Sale inspection, which gives you an extra report to read before you make an offer.
Ask Me Your First Question
Use the reports to your advantage
- Read the city's Time-of-Sale report. It lists items the evaluator noted. Ask who is responsible for any required repairs.
- Still get your own inspection. The city report is not a full home inspection.
- Consider a condominium or townhome. They are a common first purchase. Review the association before you offer.
- Think about transit. East Bloomington has the Blue Line to the airport and downtown Minneapolis.
What it costs, and the help available
Plan for four costs: earnest money with your offer, the inspection, your down payment, and closing costs. Down payments are often far less than 20 percent, and Minnesota Housing and local programs help eligible buyers with down payment and closing costs. If your credit needs work, a lender can give you a plan. Our first-time buyer page explains each cost, and getting ready covers pre-approval. We also work in Edina.
Ask us your first question about Bloomington
You do not have to be ready to buy. Bring your questions, and you will leave with a plan. More on the community is on our Bloomington page, and the steps are on how we help buyers.
Send us a message or call (651) 661-4770.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bloomington's Time-of-Sale inspection?
A city-required evaluation that a seller completes before selling. It lists items the evaluator noted and any required repairs.
Do I still need a home inspection in Bloomington?
Yes. The city report is not a full inspection. Your own inspector works for you.
Can I buy a condo as my first home?
Yes. Review the association's dues, rules, and reserves, and confirm the building fits your loan program.
Homes For Sale In Bloomington
See every home on the market in Bloomington right now, updated from the MLS.
Bloomington
What first-time buyers looks like in Bloomington
Bloomington is a city of about 90,000 on the Minnesota River, 10 miles south of downtown Minneapolis, next to the airport and home to the Mall of America.
Our office is in Bloomington. The city is split by Interstate 35W into a more residential west side and an east side with more business and retail.
- The homes
- A large, fully built city, so most homes are existing homes. The city requires a Time-of-Sale housing inspection when a home is sold.
- Getting around
- Interstate 494 runs across the north side and Interstate 35W runs north to Minneapolis. The Blue Line light rail connects the Mall of America to the airport and downtown Minneapolis.
- Nearby
- The Mall of America, the airport, Hyland Lake Park Reserve, Bush Lake, Normandale Lake, and 97 parks and green spaces.
- The trade-off
- Some homes are near the airport, so visit at different times of day to hear the flight paths.
First-Time Buyers: keep exploring
Ready to make your move with Lesley The Realtor?