5.    What should I know before buying a house?  

We think you should find out exactly what you can afford before you call on a real estate agent to help you find a home. We will pre-qualify you, and you will know what you can afford. We will issue a "pre-qualification" letter, which will help you negotiate with a seller. The letter will show the seller that you are a serious buyer and that you have done your homework. Also, we would like to refer a competent real estate professional to you, for, believe us, there are plenty of irresponsible and incompetent people in the business of selling real estate, just like in our line of work. It’s a jungle out there! A good real estate agent will guide you through the home buying experience making sure that you get the best home possible for your investment.

On a more fundamental level, it is also important to ask yourself if you are ready to own a home and if you are really in a market where it is a good idea to buy one. After all, the idea is not only to have a home of your own; it is also supposed to be a sound investment over time. Happily, a home is an historically good investment, with growth benefits as well as tax benefits; however, this is not always the case.

Lastly, remember the three most important words in real estate: “location, location, location!” A competent real estate professional will do their best to make sure you buy your home in an area of positive growth where your specific needs will be catered to (schools, services, etc.).

HAPPY HOUSE HUNTING!!