Buying a home is one of the largest financial commitments our clients can make in their lifetime. The following questions and suggestions are the types of things our Realtors® and homebuyers may discuss the first time we meet to help make the process easier.

WHAT DO YOU WANT? VS. WHAT DO YOU NEED?  
Making a list of wants and needs before beginning the search for a home can make the entire process less overwhelming. It will help your Realtor® develop a vision for your search process and quickly narrow the field of home choices.

HOW MUCH HOME CAN I QUALIFY FOR?   
With one call to your chosen brokerage, getting approved for a mortgage is a critical and very easy process. Having a pre-approval in hand gives a buyer negotiating strength, particularly important in a highly competitive marketplace, which many first-time home buyers encounter.

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD?  
Where are the schools and places of worship? How far is the nearest hospital or grocery store? Is this a good neighborhood for pets? Are city services available, do homeowners dispose of their own trash, is my potential home on a septic system? These are basic, yet important questions that some first time buyers may not think of until after closing on a property.

ARE THERE ANY AREA RESTRICTIONS?  
All too often, buyers aren't aware of restrictions that apply to their use of the property until they have time invested in the process. Check with your real estate agent to understand what restrictions are enforced in the area in which you're interested. Common restrictions can center on vehicles, boats, RV’s, pets, pools and landscaping.

INSIST ON A HOME INSPECTION 
Attend property inspections, be aware of environmental concerns and ask lots of questions. Compared to the expense of the house, a small investment of time and money up front could save you from future headaches. Look for a property which offers or ask for a home warranty.

GET HELP WITH THE DETAILS  
Purchasing a home is an important investment and as a buyer, you need to thoroughly think through the process to avoid making choices you may regret in the future. Our Realtors® will take as much time as you need and answer as many questions as necessary to ensure that both agent and buyer are comfortable with the pace of the sale and terms of the sale.