Buying a home, whether it is your first, last or the one in between, should be a good experience. You will be looking at homes to fulfill the needs of your family and to be a good financial investment as well. If you are well prepared when you start looking, your search will be efficient and productive.

Talk to a Lender...
     It is important to know how much of a mortgage you qualify for with your income and your debt load. Taking the time to talk with a lender about your borrowing power can save heartache down the line. A lender will be able to advise you on your maximum mortgage amount and maximum house price. This sets the pace for happy house hunting.

Defining Your Needs...
     Sit down with family members and discuss the things that you have in your present home that you don't want to give up. Talk about things that you would really like to have in the next house. Make a list of the "must haves" and the "would likes". If you have any very large pieces of furniture...measure them so you know what wall space you need. If you have an entertainment center that requires 18 feet of wall space, there is no good reason to look a a home with walls that will not accommodate it! Share this kind of information with your Realtor!

Representation...
     There are two types of representation available to you as a buyer. Sub Agency is an agent working with a buyer but representing the best interests of the seller. Buyer Agency is having a contractual agreement with your Realtor stating that he or she is working for you. Make sure that you understand the difference and make a choice BEFORE you start to look at homes. A good Realtor will be more than happy to take the time to discuss this with you.

Choose a Realtor...
     Find a Realtor that you like. By choosing ONE person to work with, you insure that you will get the best service. Take the time to tell your Realtor what you will be looking for in a home and give that person an overview of your finances. A good Realtor can sift through all the listings in an area and find homes in your price range that fit your needs. Trust your Realtor. After all, that person doesn't get paid unless and until you buy a house. If you are loyal to your realtor you will get more than 100% in effort.

Making an Offer to Purchase...
     When you decide on a home, you will be writing an "agreement of sale" with your Realtor. This is a lengthy, multi-part document that becomes a legal and binding contract when it is signed by both buyers and sellers. Think it through. Define your terms concisely. Be realistic in your offer. The only offers that are accepted are those that provide a "win-win" situation. In other words, both you AND the sellers have to be happy with all of the terms of the contract.

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