Buying a home is an exciting but often overwhelming experience, particularly if you are buying your first home. As your REALTOR®, we can help you through the home buying process and assure that you find the right home for you, at the right price for you.

Every homebuyer has a number of concerns, all of which we can help you with:

Setting a Time Frame
There are a lot of variables in the home-buying process, which means the time it takes to find and buy your new home varies too. A typical home search process may take three to four months, including the mortgage approval process, comparing and evaluating properties, making an offer and the closing process. The loan process typically takes 30-45 days.

The Lending Process
Perhaps one of the most intimidating aspects of buying a home is the mortgage approval process. We'll be here to help guide you through this, but there are many ways you can prepare early to make the process smoother. Start by making sure your budget is under control--make a list of all your monthly expenses, compare it with your income, and see if adjustments need to be made. You should also try to pay off small credit card balances. Start gathering documents you may need, such as W-2 forms, income tax returns for the past few years, pay stubs, records of child support or alimony, bank statements for the past several months, and your credit report. Also, be sure to allow for closing costs. Getting several offers will allow you to compare loans and get the best deal.

Determining How Much You Can Afford
In order to determine how much home you can afford it will be important for you to meet with a home loan specialist that understands all of the rules and regulations of home loans. The home loan specialist will be able to look at your entire financial picture and help you determine what type of home loan is best for you. Considerations on what type of home loan will include how much money you have available for a down payment on the home, your income, your debts and your credit score. The home loan specialist will also explain what the true monthly cost of the payment is based on how your tax savings impact your monthly cost because of the interest deduction. It is important that you are comfortable with the payment so be sure and express the amount that you are comfortable with in your monthly budget. Debbie and Sarah have relationships with several home loan specialists that are knowledgeable in the home loans available and will give you top notch service in the process. Please contact us for our list of home loan specialists. 

Finding a Home That Meets Your Needs and Wants
Before you start looking at properties, make a list of "must-have" features along with optional features you'd like to have. "Must-have" features may include the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you'll need to accommodate your family, location (consider commute to work, which schools your children will attend, etc.), lot size and special needs (handicapped access, etc.). Optional features may include the architectural styling, bay windows, landscaping, etc. Having a clear idea of what you want in a home will help your REALTOR® find the perfect property for you.

Educating yourself about the home-buying process is key to getting a home you love and can afford. As your REALTOR®, we are here to answer any questions you might have and guide you through this process.