Buying a home can be one of your most significant investments in life. Not only are you choosing your dwelling place, and the place in which you will bring up your family, you are most likely investing a large portion of your assets into this venture. The more prepared you are at the outset, the less overwhelming and chaotic the buying process will be. The goal of this page is to provide you with detailed information to assist you in making an intelligent and informed decision. Click here for a personalized list of homes currently for sale that meet your specific needs.

 

Benefits of Owning Your Own Home

The Best Investment – Income Tax Savings – Stable Monthly Housing Costs- Forced Savings – Freedom and Individuality – More Space

 

Important Things To Avoid Before Buying a Home

Don’t Move Money Around – The Effect of Changing Jobs – No Major Purchases of Any Kind

 

Don’t Buy a Car – or Did You Already Buy One?

When Income Grows and You Want to Buy “Stuff” – Debt-to-Income Ratios and Car Payments – How Buying a Car Reduces Your Purchase Price

 

The Business Cycle and Buying a Home

Recession and Expansion – Supply and Demand – Should You Try to “Time the Market?”

 

Comparable Sales and Your Offer Price

Determining Your Offer Price – Comparable Sales in the Public Record – Comparable Sales in the Multiple Listing Service – Comparable Sales – Pending Transactions – Other Factors Influencing Your Offer Price

 

Major Factors Influencing your Offer Price

How Property Condition Affects Your Offer – How Home Improvements Affect Your Offer – How Market Conditions Affect Your Offer – How Seller Motivation Affects Your Offer – The Final Decision on Your Offer Price

 

Offering to Purchase Real Estate- the Basics

Introduction and Overview – Contingencies in a Purchase Offer – Earnest Money Deposit – The Closing Date – Transfer of Possession

 

Writing an Offer – Safeguards Regarding the Property

Disclosures From the Seller – Condition of the Property Upon Transfer – Inspections You Should Require – Final Walk-Through Inspection

 

How Financing Details Affect Your Offer

Down Payment – Interest Rates – Closing Costs and Financing Incentives – Seller Financing – Cash Offers – Other Financing Details in Your Offer

 

How FHA and VA Financing Affects Your Offer

Extra Costs for the Seller – VA and FHA Appraisals

 

Selecting Service Providers

You and the Seller Must Agree – Escrow and Settlement – Title Insurance – Termite and Pest Inspection