Buyer's Resources

Overview of the Buying & Selling Process   Benefits of Home Ownership   Finding the Right Home   Home Shopping Tips   Home Inspections   Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Overview of the Buying & Selling Process

Buyer   1   Considers purchasing a home   2   Selects a real estate agent   3   Determines needs and wants   4   Discusses financial issues   5   Views & researches target homes   6   Makes an offer to buy	Seller   1   Decides to sell property   2   Selects a real estate agent   3   Determines needs   4   Prepares home for marketing   5   Agent markets the home   6   Accepts, rejects or counters offer
7   Offer Accepted     8   Loan Application   9   Inspections   10   Title Search   11   Appraisal   12   Loan Approval     13   Closing Papers Signed   14   Documents Recorded   15   Funds Available To Seller
16   Seller Moves Out	17   Buyer Moves In
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Benefits of Home Ownership

Credit: Owning a home helps you establish financial credibility. Independence : Owning your own home provides you with independence and more privacy than renting. You are free to paint walls, plant flowers, keep pets and anything else within legal bounds. Investment: As you make more payments and own more of your home, you add to its investment value. Most improvements you make will also add to its value. Pride: A home reflects its owner's values and lifestyle. Owning a home can provide you with a source of pride, enjoyment and satisfaction. Security: A home can provide security against inflation because the value of your home increases as prices go up. Stability: Being established in a community provides a sense of belonging, stability and security. Tax Advantages: Interest on your mortgage loan is deductible on your yearly personal income tax return. Many of the closing costs associated with purchasing your home are deductible, as are your property taxes.

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Finding the Right Home

Real Estate Agents You can sit down with a real estate agent and discuss your needs, type of area, style of home, amenities and everything you really want in your next home. Real estate agents can help you by accessing a Listing Service which covers all properties listed for sale within a specific area. Together, you can select the homes you would like to see, set appointments and preview homes in a short period of time. An agent can guide you through the entire process. Newspaper Ads/Internet Many people go through the real estate classified section or browse the Internet to find a home that appeals to them. However, your real estate agent will have many listings available that may not appear in the newspaper or Internet on a continuous basis. New listings come on the market daily. Multiple Listing Service Your real estate agent should have access to the multiple listing service if it is available in your area. It usually includes the following details about homes and properties for sale: Location   Price   Photograph   Utilities   Amenities   Annual property tax   Current financing (when assumable)   Listing company   When Previewing A Home   Write notes when previewing a home so you will be able to discuss the details later with your real estate agent.   Ask questions about the home and discuss any objections or concerns you may have.   Ask about the community - schools, shopping and transportation.   Ask specific questions about the construction of the home; electrical, plumbing, heating, cooling systems, etc.   Have Fun Relax. Finding your new home can be a rewarding experience. Have a good time and enjoy the process. Back to the Top

Home Shopping Tips
Check For Properly Working Appliances/Fixtures:
Bathroom   Sinks   Showers/tubs   Toilets   Vent fan   Heating fan   Appliances   Dishwasher   Stove   Oven   Ice maker   Garbage disposal   Range hood   Refrigerator   Freezer   Microwave   Trash compactor	Kitchen   Kitchen cabinet doors   Drawers   Sinks   General   Lights (interior & exterior)   Windows   Heating system   Ceiling fans   Hot water system   Air conditioning system   Electrical outlets   Door bells   Doors   Water purifier   Fireplace damper   Garage door
Ensure House Is Well-Built & Systems Are In Working Condition:
Exterior   Brick bulging or cracking   Shingles missing or broken