Buyers

• Pre-Qualification: Meet with a mortgage broker and find out how much you can afford to pay for a home.
     
• Pre-Approval: While knowing how much you can afford is the first step, sellers will be much more receptive to potential buyers who have been pre-approved. You'll also avoid being disappointed when going after homes that are out of your price range. With Pre-Approval, the buyer actually applies for a mortgage and receives a commitment in writing from a lender. This way, assuming the home you're interested in is at or under the amount you are pre-qualified for, the seller knows immediately that you are a serious buyer for that property. Costs for pre-approval are generally nominal and lenders will usually permit you to pay them when you close your loan.
     
• List of Needs & Wants: Make a list. Include items you must have (i.e., the number of bedrooms you need for the size of your family, a one-story house or two-story house, location, etc.).
• Representation by a Professional: Hire a real estate agent.           
• Visualize the house empty & with your decor: Are the rooms laid out to fit your needs? Is there enough light?     
• Be Thorough: A few extra dollars well spent now may save you big expenses in the long run. Don't forget such essentials as:         
1. Include inspection & mortgage contingencies in your written offer.     
2. Have the property inspected by a professional inspector.              
3. Request a second walk-through to take place within 24 hours of closing.
4. You want to check to see that no changes have been made that were not agreed on   
• All the above may seem rather overwhelming. That is why having a professional represent you and keep track of all the details for you is highly recommended. Please email me or call me directly to discuss any of these matters in further detail.