|
|
BUYING
Knowledge and experience are the keys to successful real estate transactions.
REALTOR.com® contains an enormous amount of valuable information, and such data
-- combined with the expertise, experience and training of local REALTORS® --
can be the essential keys to your success.
One of the keys to making the homebuying process easier and more
understandable is planning. In doing so, you'll be able to anticipate requests
from lenders, lawyers and a host of other professionals. Furthermore, planning
will help you discover valuable shortcuts in the homebuying process.
Do You Know What You Want?
Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or entering the marketplace as a
repeat buyer, you need to ask why you want to buy. Are you planning to move to a
new community due to a lifestyle change or is buying an option and not a
requirement? What would you like in terms of real estate that you do not now
have? Do you have a purchasing timeframe?
Whatever your answers, the more you know about the real estate marketplace,
the more likely you are to effectively define your goals. As an interesting
exercise, it can be worthwhile to look at the questions above and to then
discuss them in detail when meeting with local REALTORS®.
Do You Have The Money?
Homes and financing are closely intertwined. (Financing is the difference
between the purchase price and the downpayment, commonly referred to as debt or
the mortgage.) The good news is that over the years new and innovative loan
programs have evolved which require a 5 percent downpayment or less. In fact, a
number of programs now allow purchasers to buy real estate with nothing down.
In addition to a down payment, purchasers also need cash for closing costs
(the final costs associated with closing the loan). Several newly emerging loan
programs not only allow the purchase of a home with no money down, but also
underwrite closing costs.
Not everyone, however, elects to purchase with little or no money down. Less
money down means higher monthly mortgage payments, so most homebuyers choose to
buy with some cash up front.
As to closing costs, in markets where buyers have leverage, it may be
possible to negotiate an offer for a home that requires the owner to pay some or
all of your settlement expenses. Speak with local REALTORS® for details.
Is Your Financial House in Order?
Those great loans with little or nothing down
are not available to everyone: You need good credit. For at least one year prior
to purchasing a home, you should assure that every credit card bill, rent check,
car payment and other debt is paid in full and on time.
For more information:
Above
information courtesy of Realtor.com |
|
