Buyers
It’s a big decision to buy a home and to move! We’ve put together some posts to help you get started, and get comfortable. Please feel free to read through the articles we’ve posted and reach out if you have any questions at all. Here are some quick tips to get you started –
Make a Moving Checklist
You’ve found your dream house, now it’s time to move in and make it a Dream Home. Make the process as stress-free and organized as possible by starting early and keeping close tabs on the details. A simple search online for “moving checklist” will arm you with all the information you’ll need, and even advice on how to pack efficiently.
It’s Ok to Dream
When you are out there trying to find a house that is perfect for you and your family, it’s a good idea to prepare a list of all your needs, wants, and don’t-wants. Yes, an open mind is helpful when shopping for a house, but you don’t need to compromise on the things you truly care about. Prioritize your top 5 “must-have” qualities in a home, your top 5 “like to have” qualities, and you top 5 “we absolutely don’t want” qualities, and take the list with you when you go house shopping. You will be able to quickly eliminate homes that don’t fit your needs and wants, and also be able to spot the homes that deserve some greater attention.
Finances, Finances, Finances
When you are buying a home, you may be thinking “location, location, location” or “granite countertops”, but before you can start having fun shopping around, you have to do a little work to get yourself ready financially. Begin your home-buying process by cleaning up your credit report and credit score and you will be able to start off on a solid financial foundation.
Picture Yourself
Before you buy a home, you may do a lot of daydreaming about what life there will be like, relaxing by the pool or enjoying s’mores made in the wood-burning fireplace. But to know what it will really be like, you’ll have to picture yourself doing the everyday things. How is the commute? What sounds will you be falling asleep to at night? Can you picture yourself hosting Thanksgiving dinner in that size dining room? These are questions you’ll want to answer before you move in.
Ten Things a Lender Needs from You
W-2 forms or business tax return forms if your self-employed for the last two or three years for every person signing the loan. Copies of one or more months of pay stubs for every person signing the loan. Copies of two to four months of bank or credit union...
Six Creative Ways to Afford a Home
If your income and savings are making home buying a challenge, consider these options. Investigate local, state, and national downpayment assistance programs. These programs give loans or grants to cover all or part of your required downpayment. National...
Ten Questions to Ask Your Lender
Be sure you find a loan that fits your needs with these comprehensive questions. What are the most popular mortgage loans you make? Why? Which type of mortgage plan do you think would best for us? Why? Are your rates, terms, fees, and closing costs...
Ten Questions to Ask Your Condo Board
Before you buy, contact the condo board with the following questions. In the process, you’ll learn how responsive—and organized—its members are. What percentage of units is owner-occupied? What percentage is tenant-occupied? Generally, the higher the percentage...
Five Property Tax Questions You Need to Ask
What is the assessed value of the property? Note that assessed value is generally less than market value. Ask to see a recent copy of the seller’s tax bill to help you determine this information. How often are properties reassessed and when was the last...
How Comprehensive is Your Home Warranty?
Check your home warranty policy to see which of the following items are covered. Also check to see if the policy covers the full replacement cost of an item. Plumbing Electrical Systems Water Heater Furnace Heating Ducts Water...