Home Buying Articles and Advice

Buying a home can be one of your most significant investments in life. Not only are you choosing your dwelling place, and the place in which you will bring up your family, you are most likely investing a large portion of your assets into this venture. The more prepared you are at the outset, the less overwhelming and chaotic the buying process will be. The goal of this page is to provide you with detailed information to assist you in making an intelligent and informed decision. Remember, if you have any questions about the process, I'm only a phone call or email away!

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Benefits of Owning Your Own Home

The Best Investment

• Income Tax Savings
• Stable Monthly Housing Costs
• Forced Savings
• Freedom and Individuality
• More Space

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Important Things To Avoid Before Buying a Home

• Don't Move Money Around
• The Effect of Changing Jobs
• No Major Purchases of Any Kind

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Don't Buy a Car - or Did You Already Buy One?

• When Income Grows and You Want to Buy "Stuff"
• Debt-to-Income Ratios and Car Payments
• How Buying a Car Reduces Your Purchase Price

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The Business Cycle and Buying a Home

• Recession and Expansion
• Supply and Demand
• Should You Try to "Time the Market"?

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Comparable Sales and Your Offer Price

• Determining Your Offer Price
• Comparable Sales in the Public Record
• Comparable Sales in the Multiple Listing Service
• Comparable Sales - Pending Transactions
• Other Factors Influencing Your Offer Price

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Major Factors Influencing your Offer Price

• How Property Condition Affects Your Offer
• How Home Improvements Affect Your Offer
• How Market Conditions Affect Your Offer
• How Seller Motivation Affects Your Offer
• The Final Decision on Your Offer Price

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Offering to Purchase Real Estate- the Basics

• Introduction and Overview
• Contingencies in a Purchase Offer
• Earnest Money Deposit
• The Closing Date
• Transfer of Possession

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Writing an Offer - Safeguards Regarding the Property

• Disclosures From the Seller
• Condition of the Property Upon Transfer
• Inspections You Should Require
• Final Walk-Through Inspection

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How Financing Details Affect Your Offer

• Down Payment
• Interest Rates
• Closing Costs and Financing Incentives
• Seller Financing
• Cash Offers
• Other Financing Details in Your Offer

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How FHA and VA Financing Affects Your Offer

• Extra Costs for the Seller
• VA and FHA Appraisals

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Selecting Service Providers

• You and the Seller Must Agree
• Escrow and Settlement
• Title Insurance
• Termite and Pest Inspection