Tips For Buyers

Ready, Get Set, Plan!

You already know buying a home is a major decision. But you may not realize it's not always an easy process, and there can be many hurdles to conquer along the way. So it's vital to understand the process, the market, and to be prepared before you start shopping for your home. We will provide you with the information and resources necessary to help you make informed decisions and eliminate some of the anxiety from the home buying process.

Take the time to lay the groundwork for your decision-making process. Being organized and in control will reduce stress and contribute significantly to getting the best home deal possible.

• How much can you afford to pay? We can help! We will guide you through the all-important first step of getting pre-approved with a lender. Pre-approval tells you how much you can afford, what your interest rate and monthly house payments will be, and how much you need for down payment and closing costs. It tells sellers you're a serious, qualified buyer, strengthening your negotiation power, and helping you avoid the disappointment and frustration of finding a home you want, only to learn you cannot afford it.
• Do you qualify for grant money or down payment assistance? We can help! There is frequently free money, particularly for Veterans, and middle- to lower-income home buyers, to assist with your down payment. Some grants can even be stacked, for extra savings to you. See our Down payment Assistance page for more information.
• What's the best location for your family? We can help! Things to think about are types of neighborhoods, convenience to shopping, work, and schools, and weighing the must-haves with the would like to haves. We will assist you in locating the home best suited to your family's needs.

Now you're ready for the fun part! Once you're armed with a knowledge of your buying power, an idea of what you want and where you want it, and the steps along the way, it's time to start shopping for your new home.

We can help! The very best source of up-to-the-minute home listings is the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Create your own private home portfolio using our advanced search, and receive the latest listings right away.