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.
Tips on Buying in a Tight Market
Increase your chances of getting your dream house instead of losing it to another buyer, with these easy steps. Get prequalified for a mortgage. In this way, you’ll be able to make a firm commitment to buy and make your offer more desirable to the seller. ...
Tips for Finding the Perfect Neighborhood
The neighborhood you choose can have a big impact on your lifestyle—safety, available amenities, and convenience all play their part. Make a list of the activities—movies, health club, church-- you engage in regularly and stores you visit frequently. See how far...
Your Property Wish List
While your opinions on the type of home you want to own may change during the homebuying process, use this easy checklist to help you set your prioritize and make the shopping process less time consuming. How close do you need to be to (a) public transportation...
Five Factors that Decide Your Credit Score
Scores range between 200 and 800. Scores above 620 are considered desirable for obtaining a mortgage. These factors will affect your score. Your Payment History. Whether you paid credit card obligations on time How Much You Owe. Owing a great deal of money...
Eight Ways to Improve Your Credit
Credit scores, along with your overall income and debt, are a big factor in determining if you’ll qualify for a loan and what loan terms you’ll be able to qualify for. Check for and correct errors in your credit report. Mistakes happen, and you could be paying...
Budget Basics Work Sheet
The first step in getting yourself in financial shape to buy a home is to know what you make and what you spend now. List your income and expenses below. Income Take Home Pay/All family members Child...