Buying a house may be the most complicated financial process of your entire life. Luckily, I’ve broken it down into 10 straightforward steps: 1. Are you ready to become a homeowner? Whether you’re becoming a homeowner for the first time or you’re a repeat buyer, buying a house is a financial and emotional decision that […]
While it may be acceptable to snap up a pair of shoes on an impulse, the choice to buy a home requires thoughtful planning and decision making. Whether you’re becoming a homeowner for the first time or you’re a repeat buyer, buying a home is a financial and emotional decision that requires the experience and […]
Buying and selling real estate is a complex matter. At first it might seem that by checking local picture books or online sites you could quickly find the right home at the right price. But a basic rule in real estate is that all properties are unique. No two properties – even two identical models […]
There’s nothing more frustrating than falling in love with a home and then discovering you can’t afford to buy it. Consulting with a mortgage lender is the first step you should undertake in the home buying process. Almost all first-time buyers need a mortgage to finance their home purchase, so get prepared before you look. […]
A quick search on my site will bring up thousands of homes for sale. Clicking around and educating yourself on the local market, different neighborhoods, local amenities and overall directions will help when we get in the car to go start shopping! Start With Your Budget Before you begin your house search you should have a preapproval […]
For first-time buyers and repeat buyers alike, the decision to make an offer on a home is both exciting and a little scary. If your offer is accepted, the place you’ve chosen will be your home for the next several years. Not only should you feel emotionally satisfied by your choice, but you should also […]
The cost of real estate financing is often greater than the original purchase price of a home (after including interest and closing costs). Because financing is so important, buyers should have as much information as possible regarding mortgage options and costs. What Kind of Loan? Thousands of loans are available from a variety of lenders […]
While much attention is paid to the offering price of a home, a proposal to buy includes both the price and terms. In some cases, terms can represent thousands of dollars in additional value for buyers or additional costs. Terms are extremely important and should be carefully reviewed. How Much? You sometimes hear that the […]
No sensible car owner would drive without insurance, so it figures that no homeowner should be without insurance, either. The essential idea behind various forms of real estate insurance is to protect owners in the event of catastrophe. If something goes wrong, insurance can be the bargain of a lifetime. What Kind of Insurance and […]
The closing process, which in different parts of the country is also known as “settlement” or “escrow,” is increasingly computerized and automated. In many cases, buyers and sellers don’t need to attend a specific event; signed paperwork can be sent to the closing agent by overnight delivery. In practice, closings bring together a variety of […]