Buyer's Guide

Do you already know where you want to buy? If you want a condo, townhome, or single-family home? Which features do you like and dislike? What’s available on the market now? If you answered no to any of these questions, now is the time to start researching. In addition to looking for homes that interest you, also take note of any changes in asking prices. This could give you valuable insight into housing trends in specific neighborhoods and help you when the time comes to make an offer.

You may be confident that you can afford a certain payment every month, but that doesn’t mean the lender will agree. Just as they may approve you for too large of an amount, they may also approve you for a lesser amount or deny you a mortgage altogether. Lack of time at a job, insufficient credit, past bankruptcies, or other financial issues can cause major problems when trying to secure a mortgage. Before you get your heart set on a home, talking to a reputable local lender is an important first step to find out what amount you can qualify for. This will also be an advantage when you make an offer on a home, as some sellers won’t entertain offers from those who aren’t already prequalified for a loan.

This should be the most enjoyable step of the entire process (other than moving in!). We will arrange showings of homes you’re interested in that meet your budget goals, inventory what you like and don’t like, and make sure to pay attention to details. Don’t limit your inspection to the home itself. It's important to take time to explore the neighborhood and nearby amenities. You may want to keep an eye on traffic at certain times of the day, consider commute times, the parking situation, and proximity to necessities like schools and grocery stores.

In most cases, your offer will be contingent on having the home inspected to ensure there is no major structural damage or large repairs needed. We can help you arrange this, and it's typically scheduled within days of making an offer. You can request the seller address any issues that are important to you. We will help negotiate a resolution that is acceptable to both parties. If you can't come to an agreement with the seller, you have the right to terminate your contract.

Your lender will have your new home appraised so they have their independent value of it. The appraisal is to ensure that all parties involved are paying a fair market price for the property and the loan amount is justified.