Home Buyer's Guide - Getting Started
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Buying a home raises lots of questions. My goal is to get those questions answered for you and guide you through the home buying
process. This Checklist is organized into 3 main sections – Getting Started, House Hunting, and Buying. As you move along this road
you will probably have questions. As a Professional Real Estate Agent that has been through this process hundreds of times, I am
happy to be available to help you with and questions or additional information you might need. I can often make your home search
easier and faster, so feel free to call at any time.
GETTING STARTED:
process. This Checklist is organized into 3 main sections – Getting Started, House Hunting, and Buying. As you move along this road
you will probably have questions. As a Professional Real Estate Agent that has been through this process hundreds of times, I am
happy to be available to help you with and questions or additional information you might need. I can often make your home search
easier and faster, so feel free to call at any time.
GETTING STARTED:
 | Make a list of the reason you want to buy a home. |
| Consider the area of city, neighborhood, commute to work, schools, recreational facilities, community services (transportation, | |
| day care, library, shopping, entertainment), home styles, new or re-sale, size, bedrooms, baths, specific room requirements, future needs, consider lot size, landscaping, maintenance. |
- Rate each factor ( 1 to 5) as to wants and must haves.
- Keep your list and update it when you get to the House Hunting process.
- Rate each home against your list. Your search becomes easier and more efficient
| What Will I Do To Help? |
- Represent your interests throughout the transaction. The seller always pays my fee, so there is no out of pocket expense for
my services.
- Set up a plan based on your needs and finances
- Helps with financing options
- Personally conducting your search and shows you those homes that you want to see that meet your requirements.
- Guide you through the intricacies of making an offer and presenting that offer to the seller.
- Negotiate sales price and terms on your behalf
- Assist you through both pre-settlement and settlement process
| Financial Aspects of Home Ownership |
- Appreciation in value over time
- Numerous tax advantages
- MAJOR tax saving at Sale of your home up to $500,000 (married filing jointly) $250,000 (singles or filling separately) of any
gain realized is excluded from taxation. You can repeat this every time you sell - Accumulation of Equity by making mortgage payments
- Fixed housing costs- not change over time like rent
What Price Home Can I Afford To Buy? - The simplest answer is add together how much you are qualified to borrow and how much you have available for your down
payment. Together that is the maximum affordable price you can pay. - The all-important first question is: How much am I qualified to borrow? The smartest way to answer that is to visit a
professional – A bank’s mortgage lender or a mortgage broker / mortgage company.
- They will determine how much you are qualified to borrow. This is generally based on your income, debts, and outstanding
loans. Your Agent is an invaluable source of referral for this Pre-Qualification Process.
- A second factor is the type of loan you obtain. In today’s low interest rate environment, and competitive Mortgage Market, there
are many options in terms of down payments, interest rates (including fixed, variable, and adjustable), monthly payments,
and be especially aware of Points, Origination and other fees as well as pre-payment penalties.
- Remember to keep enough cash or credit for closing costs, move-in expenses, repairs, remodeling, new appliances and
furnishings as well as your utilities and maintenance.
A couple of more questions to consider here are: - How much down payment should I make?
- What are the best sources of cash for a down payment?
- Should I shop for a loan before or after you find a home?
Your mortgage lender will help you with the first two questions but the answer to the third question is always to look for financing firstand have a Pre-Qualification Letter. It will make your bargaining position better when you are negotiating with a seller.
THESE ARE THE BASIC STEPS IN GETTING STARTED, NOW IT’S TIME TO GO HOUSE HUNTING.
If you have mapped out all the steps in the getting started process, I will guide you and you will be well on your way through the house
hunting process.
Thank you for allowing me to share with you my experience and knowledge of the Home Buying Process.” After reading Getting
Started, if you have any questions or require further information, simply enter your contact information below and I'll get back to you
right away.
- Accumulation of Equity by making mortgage payments