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BUYING A HOME?  A REAL ESTATE AGENT CAN HELP!

Whether it's your First Home, Move Up Home or Downsizing in Retirement, an Experienced Real Estate Agent Can Help You Throughout the Homebuying Process!

A Real Estate Agent...

• Has the most information in one place about what is on the market.
• Has full access to homes listed by other real estate professionals.
• Can help you choose a home that fits your needs - features, size, location, etc.
• Can provide information regarding local taxes, utility costs, schools, churches, shopping, transportation, etc.
• Selects and researches qualified properties.
• Explains basic real estate principles.
• Helps you understand the financing options available to you.
• Helps you determine how much you can afford to pay for a home.
• Acts as liaison between you and the seller to present offers and counter-offers until an agreement is reached.
• Provides an objective view with no emotional ties.
• Follows up throughout the transaction.

There has never been a better time to buy a home!

First-time buyers who act now can save $10,000 on their new home in the first year alone.

The first $8,000 is the amount of the tax credit eligible first-time buyers can receive if they get under contract by April 30, and close by June 30.

The other $2,000 comes as a result of the historically low interest rates that are currently available. It is expected that mortgage rates will increase when government support ends in late March, meaning there is an opportunity cost for waiting even an extra couple of weeks.

Consider the impact of rising mortgage rates on a home's affordability. If you buy a home for $300,000 with 10 percent down and a 5 percent 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, you will pay $1,449 per month in principal and interest. If in a few weeks rates go up to 6 percent, the monthly payment would increase to $1,610. The annual savings on mortgage interest is slightly more than $2,000. What's more, the buyer who purchases now will enjoy that same level of savings each year over the course of their 30-year loan.

While the example above applies to first-time buyers, existing homeowners who choose to purchase a new home while the $6,500 tax credit is available can save thousands of dollars, too.

 There has never been a better time to buy a home!

5 Questions Home Buyers Should Ask a Realtor

When choosing a Realtor, make sure you ask the right questions upon first meeting.  This is a critical relationship that will be developed over time, but it is key that you work with someone who will work hard for you and be able to negotiate on your behalf when the time comes.

Here are some basic questions that you should ask: 

1. Are you a full-time Realtor?
2. How long have you been in the business?
3. Do you specialize in Buyers, Sellers or both?
4. How well do you know the area where I'm looking?
5. How will you get paid?
6. What do you do that separates you from your competition?