Buyers

Tips For Buying A Home

Here are some tips to help you with the process of becoming a new homeowner

Senior Division

Our Senior Division is headed by Carol LaMontagne. This division helps senior citizens make that most important move into easy living.... working with a group of professionals to help you not only in home buying/selling but financial planning and estate planning. Everyone will assist you in these important decisions for your future.

Preapproved Loan

Being prequalified for a loan determines how much house you can afford. It also allows you to move more swiftly when you find the right house, especially when you aren't the only interested buyer.

Shop for Mortgage Rates and Terms

A difference of even half a percentage point can make a huge difference in how much you pay over the life of a loan. For example, the difference in the monthly payment on a $100,000 mortgage at 8 percent vs. 7.5 percent is about $35 per month. Over 30 years, that's $12,600.

Using a Buyer Agent

A buyer agent is legally responsible for representing the buyer's interest in a real estate transaction. Generally, the buyer agent is compensated by the seller at the time you purchase a new home. There are some limitations to using a buyer agent, however. Before you decide, have a Realtor explain the advantages and disadvantages of using a buyer agent.

Rate the Houses You Tour

After touring each home, write down what you liked and didn't like. Develop a rating system which will help you narrow the field down to the house that's the best for you.

Tips On Finding The Right House

Some Advice on Starting Your Search for a Home

Once the decision to buy a home has been made, take the time to prepare before you go on your home search.

Get your financial house in order first! We can't stress this enough--it will save you an enormous amount of time, aggravation and heartache.

Determine what your budget will comfortably allow and stick to it. Don't spend yourself into a "house poor" situation.

Get preapproved for a mortgage. This will not only give you a clear idea of how much a lender will approve for you, it will make your homebuying process a great deal easier (and save a lot of time later).

Get familiar with the different housing types available to narrow your search.

Determine your minimum requirements as well as any desired additional features--your needs and wants.

Take note of any items that you don't want in a house.

Determine the desired location (schools, work, public transportation, etc.)

Familiarize yourself with the mortgage process.

Choose an Agent that you feel comfortable with and who understands your needs. Be completely aware of the Agency issue. If you look for houses before you have your own Agent, you may not have the representation you want.

Use all resources available in looking for homes: Friends, relatives, a good Real Estate Agent, advertisements.

Don't just buy a home for your present needs. Make sure to take into account future considerations.

As you are looking, use a scorecard to compare homes. A scorecard is a great tool when it comes time for comparisons (and for remembering which home had which features!)

Get familiar with the inspection process--especially the personal inspection aspect, so that you can weed out unacceptable houses quickly

Maintain your perspective--and your cool! You may find an acceptable house on the first day--or the tenth. The important thing is to get the home that is best for you!