If you are a buyer . . .
A. Think about your dream house. The style (Craftsman, Victorian, Modern, Atomic Ranch, Cottage), the amenities (big kitchen, hardwood floors, wood-burning fireplace, fenced yard, master suite up or down), the size, the neighborhood. Don’t begin the process by thinking of what you'll settle for. We’ll look for your perfect house, and if cost constraints mean that we have to give up a few of the plus features down the road, then we can adjust priorities.
B. Talk to a mortgage professional. This is a must-do for the earliest stages in your process. Until you have actually seen the numbers, and know what you are comfortable spending on a house, it is impossible to find your perfect home and successfully get you in it.
If you don’t know any mortgage people, I am happy to refer you to several lenders who have helped my clients in the past.
C. Use a Realtor. If you have not purchased a home before, you may not realize that almost always, your buyer’s agent is paid by the seller. Even though I am working in your interest exclusively, it will not cost you anything to use my services. And I don’t get paid unless you find, and close on, the home that you want. I can save you a lot of time separating the wheat from the chaff in your home search, help you with negotiating strategies, and facilitate the inspection, lending and closing process so that when you get the keys to your new home, you'll feel confident and well-served.
