Category: First Time Home Buyers

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,...

Home Shopping without an buyer’s agent is like Reading your Own X-Ray



September 27, 2010We just recently had a house guest who is a very dear friend of the family, who is in his fourth year of medical school.  We were talking about the term “gestalt.” According to Wikipedia is the concept that “The whole is greater than the sum of the parts.”  It is the idea that a few lines and curves can be recognized as a figure.   For example, a few lines and a circle could be...

Home Buyers Tip: Use Your Imagination When Home Shopping



September 13, 2010If you don’t have an imagination, shop with someone who does. There is a home on the end of our street that I believe is the envy of every home owner in the neighborhood.  I admit, I have a bit of a “crush” on this house.  It is beautiful.  From the landscaping, to the wood garage doors, to  their backyard filled with bonsai trees and a lily pond, the house tickles your imagination and...

5 Surprising Benefits of Home Ownership



September 10, 2010Let’s kick off the weekend with some cheerful thoughts.  The National Organization of Real Estate released research about the positive impacts of owning a home.  Instead of focusing on financial boons, the paper, “Social Benefits of Stable Housing” takes a look at the positive social outcomes. The benefits might surprise you. According to the paper, home ownership: Has a significant...

Buying the Right Home: First Time Home Buyers Tip



September 3, 2010How long do you want to live in your house? You are just thinking about buying a house.  Do you really need to start thinking about selling the home you haven’t even bought yet?  Well, probably.   In order to buy the right home for you, you need to answer the question “how long do I want to live here?”  This is just one  important home buying motives you will need to consider. As a...

Are You Ready for Home Ownership?



August 25, 2010I have read many articles that help people decide if they are ready to become a home owner.  They tend to focus only on the financial obligation of home ownership.   Can you afford the monthly payments?  Do you have good credit and manage your credit?  Can you afford the maintenance of a home?  Especially now, these questions are on everyone’s mind when thinking about home...

Which Comes First: the Home Loan or the Home?



August 9, 2010Should a Home Buyer Seek Pre-Approval or a Home First? Starting a home search can feel a little bit like the “Chicken and the Egg” riddle.  Should a buyer become pre-qualified for a home loan first, before finding a home they would like to purchase?   Or, should a buyer start shopping for homes before knowing what type of loan they might qualify for? The Real Estate Division of the...