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.
Five Common First-Time Homebuyer Mistakes
They don’t ask enough questions of their lender and miss out on the best deal. They don’t act quickly enough to make a decision and someone else buys the house. They don’t find the right agent whose willing to help them through the homebuying...
Seven Reasons to Own Your Own Home
Tax breaks. The U.S. Tax Code lets you deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage, property taxes you, pay, as well as some of the costs involved in buying your home. Gains. Over last five years (1998-2002) national home prices have increased at an average of...
How Big A Mortgage Can I Afford?
Not only does owning a home give you a haven for yourself and your family, it makes great financial sense, too. This calculation assumes a 28-percent income tax bracket. If your bracket is higher, your savings will be too. Rent:...
Ten Steps to Prepare for Home Ownership
Decide how much home you can afford. Generally, you can afford a home equal in value to between 2 and 3 times your gross income. Develop a wish list of what you’d like your home to have. Then prioritize the features on your list. Select three or four...
Five Reasons You Need a Real Estate Agent
A real estate transaction is complicated. In most cases, buying or selling a home requires disclosure forms, inspection reports, mortgage documents, insurance policies, deeds, and multi-page government-mandated settlement statements. A knowledgeable guide through this...
The Pros and Cons of Condos
Condominiums and townhouses offer an affordable option to single-family homes in most areas. But consider these facts before you buy. Storage. Some condos have storage lockers, but usually there are no attics or basements to hold extra belongs. Outdoor...