What are the first steps in buying a home?

1> Financing. Find out what you are currently spending for monthly expenses. Then decide how much more or less you are comfortable spending for your housing expenses. Talk to several lenders. Ask for a pre-approval letter and a Good Faith Estimate. This will give you an idea of what you can afford based on what you want to spend. It will also allow you to compare different lenders so that you can shop for the best rate and terms for you and your family needs.

2> Assistance. Speak with several different Realtors to find one that you feel comfortable communicating with and feel listens to your needs and concerns. A Buyer Representative will work in your best interest to help you achieve your goals.

3> Education. Take time to meet with your Realtor and go over the process, especially if it is your first time buying a home or it has been a while since you have bought/sold. There are also some great Home Buyer courses that are very informative. Understand your options so that you can make informed decisions that will benefit and enhance your present and future needs.

What is a Buyer Broker/Representative? Buyer Representation is fairly new to the Real Estate industry. Gone are the days of "buyers beware". A Buyer Representative has a fiduciary, contractual, duty to the Buyer Client and is working in his/her best interest. The buyer will benefit by having a skilled professional assisting in identifying and obtaining the home for the best price attainable based on today's market conditions. From start to finish the Buyer Representative is there to keep you aware of your options, obligations, and timelines.

What if I need to sell to buy? If you need the equity from the sale of your current or second home to purchase, you will need to analyze your asset and find out how much you owe. The next step is to speak with a Realtor to help determine fair market value of your home. You may want to interview several Realtors to find a Realtor who understands what you are trying to accomplish and has a plan to get it done. Find someone you feel comfortable working with. You will want to get your home on the market and keep an eye on other homes on the market as well as options for your next home. Most sellers will not be willing to take their home off the market and give you time to sell your home (they do not want to miss out on other potential buyers). Most sellers will want you to have your home "under contract" before they will seriously consider your offer. Depending on what type of market you are selling in and how much you hope to obtain from the sale, you will need to price your home accordingly. Work with your Realtor to help your home boast its best qualities.

How do I know how much house I can afford? Figure out your monthly expenses. Everything. This will give you an idea of your current lifestyle and how much you spend on expenses other than your home. You will want to speak with a lender to get a clear picture of your finances. You know how much you are comfortable spending and how much you earn. Sometimes it is helpful to bring in a property that has caught your eye and ask the lender how much it would cost you per month and go from there.

How can I get daily updates on new listings? CONTACT JULIE! Just ask. It will be my pleasure to show you what is available. Send me a note with your contact information and some of your requirements, an idea of your time frame, the best way to communicate with you, and anything else you would like me to know about your Real Estate needs. I look forward to getting in touch with you.

Do I need a building inspection? A building inspection is a visual inspection by a third party that allows the buyer an opportunity to become aware of potential maintenance issues, safety issues, appliance condition, major systems of operation, efficiency, and structural components. This process will give you an idea of what you are buying. It will allow you to plan accurately for regular repairs and maintenance. You will be given time to read over this report and be sure that you are comfortable with the results of the inspection before proceeding with your purchase.