Home Buying Guide

Where Do I Start?

Begin by writing out a list of your priorities. What are you looking for in a home?  Why are you moving?  What will you need to complete the move?  How are you going to sell your current home?  If you’re renting, when is your lease up? Below, you will find that we have created a list of categories to help you set priorities and answer questions.

What is the most important part of choosing a home? LOCATION!

Where are you looking to relocate?  Is it across the street, across town or downtown?  If you are looking at moving to completely different part of the country, then it would be a good idea to research! Use search engines, such as Google or Yahoo, to help you research the different areas of that state and what the different areas have to offer. Are you moving because of a new job or to be closer to your current job? When looking at an area you should concentrate on how the change will affect other things like shopping, schools and entertainment. The neighborhood you choose should be able to meet all of your needs.  Remember; don’t settle!

How Much Can I Spend?

This is the question that plagues anyone looking to move into a new home or to buy a home for the first time. How much can I afford? There are a few simple steps to help you determine how much you can afford.  Step one is to narrow down the neighborhoods you like. This will give you an idea of the prices you are looking at. Next, you need to figure out all of your monthly expenses, down to the last detail.  Do not forget anything!  Lying to yourself about your monthly expenses can lead to anything from disappointment to foreclosure. More often than not, your monthly expenses will go up once you move, so it is not a bad idea to add a little on to your monthly budget, so you have a little wiggle-room.  Finally, you need to know your credit score and down payment. This is critical because it can, and will, determine your monthly mortgage payments. Once you have done all of this you will know what you can afford.