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, we're 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                         1. Area Selection: City 2. Housing Information: Price Range? - Select an Option - $0 to $50,000 $50,000 to $100,000 $100,000 to $150,000 $150,000 to $250,000 $250,000 to $350,000 $350,000 to $500,000 $500,000 to $1,000,000 Over $1,000,000 Type of home? - Select an Option - Condominium Other Single family Town house Size of home? - Select an Option - 1,000 to 2,000 sq. ft. 2,000 to 3,000 sq. ft. 3,000 to 3,500 sq. ft. over 3500 sq. ft. Bedrooms? - Select an Option - Two bedrooms Three bedrooms Four bedrooms Five bedrooms Bathrooms? - Select an Option - Two bathrooms Three bathrooms Four bathrooms Desired school nearby? - Select an Option - Elementary High school Middle school Age of house? - Select an Option - Older than 10 years Under 10 years Under 5 years When to purchase? - Select an Option - Immediately Undecided Within 1 year Within 2 months Within 6 months Need to sell your present home? - Select an Option - No Yes Prequalified by lender? - Select an Option - No Yes More information on financing? - Select an Option - No Yes 3. Contact Information: Your name: Your e-mail address: Your phone number: When should I contact you? - Select an Option - Please call daytime Please call eveningtime What would be the best time(s) to reach you? Are you currently working with another Realtor®? No Yes 4. Please mail a personalized MLS list of homes in my Postal Address: State: Zip: Any extra comments, or specifics you would like to add: Enter the code in the field below: Refresh

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