Buying Tips
How I Can Help You Buy a Home
Whether it’s your first home or if you’re an experienced buyer, purchasing a home is a complex process.
By working with me, you’ll find a home in the neighborhood where you want to live,
one that fits your budget and meets your goals for features, quality and value.
Whether it’s your first home or if you’re an experienced buyer, purchasing a home is a complex process.Once you’ve found the home that’s right for you, I will guide you through the process of making an offer;
negotiating the terms of the sale; getting your potential purchase inspected, repaired and appraised; and closing the sale.
When you work with me, you will:
- Be more likely to find the home that meets all your criteria
- Lessen the amount of time it will take to find your home
- Understand all the terms, processes and documents used when buying your home
- Have up-to-date market information that will allow you to make informed decisions
- Have a skilled negotiator working on your behalf, one who is committed to looking after your best interests
- Enjoy peace of mind, knowing that all the details of your purchase are being taken care of by an experienced and knowledgeable professional
Home Buying FAQ’s
Q: How much do I need for a down payment when buying a home?
A: Some loans allow as little as 3-3.5% down, while others may require a minimum of 5% down, loans of 20% down or more do not require mortgage insurance. There are also special programs that can be used to help with down payment, if a buyer qualifies.
Q: How much are closing costs when buying a home?
A: Closing costs can vary, but as a general rule of thumb, figure 2-6% of the loan amount.
Q: I am ready to buy a home; what is my first step?
A: The first step in the home buying process is to contact a trusted real estate agent to help guide you through the process. They will explain the process, provide you with some trusted loan officers to contact, set up a time to meet with you to discuss the process and answer your questions.
Q: Do I need a home inspection?
A: A home inspection is not required, but is highly recommended. This is the buyer’s opportunity to learn about the property and how to care for it, as well as to find out if there are any red flags that need to be addressed with the property, before they own the property.
Q: What is the real estate market like right now?
A: Your real estate agent will be able to educate you on the current market conditions in the areas you are considering, so you can make an informed decision and offer, once you find the right home.
Q: How many homes should I look at before I find the “right one?”
A: There is no magic number – some times a buyer will love the first home they see and other times it can take a while to find just the right one. Some factors that can affect how many homes a buyer looks at before finding “the one” is:
- Inventory (are there a lot of properties for sale in the buyer’s price range and desired area or is there a shortage;
- Buyer’s budget (does the buyer’s budget align with their requirements for a property);
- Buyer’s criteria (does a buyer’s home criteria align with what the areas have to offer in property types).
- Buyer’s goals (is the buyer looking for their dream home or do they need to find a place fast because they need to move in, in a short amount of time)
