For Buyers

Buying a home is an exciting time in one’s life. For most of us, it is the largest personal investment we will make in our lifetime. Whether you’re a first time home buyer or you are an experienced home owner, our website contains helpful tips that could assist you. Our services range from helping you get financial aid to assisting you in finding the home that is perfect for you and your family. We pride ourselves on getting repeat business and referrals and hope you’ll come to understand why.

As Your Realtor and Investment Specialist I Will:

• Ensure that you see all of the properties that meet your criteria.
• Satisfy your needs for a preferred lifestyle.
• Guide you through the entire home buying process, from finding homes to look at, to getting the best financing.
• Prioritize home features that are important to you.
• Recommend lenders, inspectors, and other service providers.
• Advise you through any inspections.
• Present offers and counter offers and help you avoid costly mistakes.
• See that repairs are completed and other requirements are met to your satisfaction.
• Answer all of your questions about the local market area, including schools, neighborhoods, and more.

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Home Buyer Resources

US Dept of Housing and Development
First Time Homebuyer Information
Down Payment Assistance Programs
Mortgage Lenders & Reviews

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Closing Costs to Expect:

• Lender fees: Charges for loan processing, underwriting, preparation and establishing an escrow account.
• Third-Party Fees: Charges for insurance, title search, and other inspections such as termites.
• Government Fees: Deed recording and state and local mortgage taxes.
• Escrow and Interest Fees: Homeowner’s insurance, loan interest, real estate taxes, and occasionally private mortgage insurance.

Tips for Buying a Home:

• Decide on a Budget: It’s easy to show up to an open house and fall in love, but why waste your time looking at homes that are out of your price range? To calculate a budget that you can live with, start by figuring out how much you spend each month. Over the course of 4 weeks, track your daily expenses to get a sense of how much is going out and where you’re spending most of your available cash.
• Make a Realistic Wish List. Based on your housing budget and where you want to live, compile a list of what you’d like to have in your first home. Be prepared to compromise, you can always upgrade later.
• Get Pre–Approved for a Mortgage. Many deals contingent on financing fall apart because buyers can’t find a bank to give them a mortgage. Start by shopping around for a lender. Speak to at least 3 or 4 different lenders and once you’ve compared a few loans, you can narrow it down to the right one for you.
• Understand the True Costs of Homeownership. Many first time home buyers get caught up with the idea of owning a home that they forget about life after closing. The real costs begin after you move into the house. In addition to mortgage payments, you’ll owe taxes, insurance, HOA fees, and you’ll be responsible for any maintenance issues that arise.
• Know Your Neighborhood: You may love the home, but bad neighborhoods can affect your property’s value. Talk to the neighbors to get the inside scoop on what it’s like to live there. Driving from your potential new home to your office during rush hour can also help you determine what the commute is like.