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, I'm only a phone call or email away!

 Benefits of Owning your Own Home 

The Best Investment

Income Tax Savings
Stable Monthly Housing Costs
Forced Savings

Freedom & Individualism

More Space

Other Things to Avoid Before Purchasing A Home

Don't Move Money Around

The Effect of Changing Jobs
No Major Purchase of Any Kind

Don't Buy a Car -- Or Did You Already Buy One?

Don't Buy a Car
Debt-to-Income Ratios and Car Payments

How a New Car Payment 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 Price  
How Market Conditions Affect Your Offer Price  
How Seller Motivation Affects Your Offer Price  
The Final Decision on Your Offer Price  

 

Offering to Purchase Real Estate- the Basics

 

 

Writing an Offer to Purchase Real Estate

 
Contingencies in a Purchase Offer  
Earnest Money Deposit  
The Closing Date  
Transfer of Possession  

 

Writing an Offer - Safeguards Regarding the Proper

 

 

Disclosures From the Seller

 
Condition of the Property  
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 to the Seller

 
VA and FHA Appraisals

 

Selecting Service Providers

 

You and the Seller Must Agree

Escrow and Settlement
Title Insurance
Termite and Pest Inspection