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!
Click here for a personalized list of homes currently for sale that meet
your specific needs.
Benefits of Owning Your Own Home
The Best Investment - Income Tax Savings - Stable Monthly Housing Costs- Forced
Savings - Freedom and Individuality - More Space
Important Things To Avoid Before Buying a
Home
Don't Move Money Around - The Effect of Changing Jobs - No Major Purchases of Any
Kind
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
The Business Cycle and Buying a Home
Recession and Expansion - Supply and Demand - Should You Try to "Time the Market"?
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
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
Offering to Purchase Real Estate- the Basics
Introduction and Overview - Contingencies in a Purchase Offer - Earnest Money Deposit
- The Closing Date - Transfer of Possession
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
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
How FHA and VA Financing Affects Your Offer
Extra Costs for the Seller - VA and FHA Appraisals
Selecting Service Providers
You and the Seller Must Agree - Escrow and Settlement - Title Insurance - Termite
and Pest Inspection