Category: First Time Home Buyers

buyer’s agents Help Buyers Find the Right Home



November 22, 2010According to the National Association of Realtors survey of home buyers that purchased a home within the last year, 88% worked with a realtor to purchase their home.  Home buyers reported that the two most important things that the realtor helped them do were find the right home, and negotiate sales price and terms. Why is working with an exclusive buyers agent so important to finding the right...

Equity, Appreciation and Tax Savings Anyone?



November 10, 2010One of the primary benefits of home ownership is financial.   Buying a house is an investment.  According to Wikipedia, “Investment is putting money into something with the hope of profit.”    I appreciate the honesty of this definition.  There is some hope involved.  Most investments are not a sure thing.  Let’s take a look at the basics of a real estate investment. Equity For a...

Confessions of a First Time Home Buyer



October 27, 2010I have experienced two surprise benefits of home ownership in the 4 months since we became owners .  The first:  I no longer have a Property Manager.  The second:  I am becoming handier and handier. Good Bye Scrooge, Hello Better Business Bureau. When weighing the pros and the cons of Renting versus Buying, our loving consultants (friends, family, neighbors, exclusive buyer’s agents)...

Everything You Wish You Knew BEFORE Calling a Listing Agent



October 22, 2010I am interested in a home I found online.  Should I call the listing agent and set up a viewing? Nowadays, many home buyers begin their home search from the comfort of their own home using online home search tools.  These sites also conveniently provide the contact information of the listing agent so that you can schedule a home viewing. What the sites conveniently don’t tell you (and...

Home Buyer Tip: Don’t buy the most expensive home in the neighborhood



October 18, 2010Buying your home is a large financial investment, maybe even the largest one your family will make. As a home buyer, you want to get the most value for your money.   If your primary motive for purchasing the home is to sell it and make a return, this tip is for you. Room to be Promoted Location, location, location:  The most important rule in Real Estate.  Everyone knows that the location...

First Time Home Buyers Tip: Optimize Your Credit



October 11, 2010In the process of getting ready to buy, it is very important to do some soul searching to determine what you are looking for in a home, if renting or owning is better for you, and the time frame you intend to live in your house. For many of us, what we are looking for in a home is largely determined by our budget.  Or, maybe for all of us ;)  Yes, I’d love a brand new home with walk in...

Home Buyers Tip: Are Home Inspections worth the Money?



October 1, 2010When you are purchasing a home, it can be surprising how quickly the costs of the transaction add up.  There are closing costs, inspection costs, moving costs, down payments.  Maybe there are repairs or carpet cleaning that needs to be done before moving in to the new house.  There is no doubt- it is expensive. It can be tempting to look for short cuts, and ways to save money.  Actually,...