Conduct a Safety Assessment in Your New Home

Conduct a Safety Assessment in Your New Home | RISMedia's Home Update

Buying a Home? Don’t Let Fear Get in Your Way

Our founder, Steve Harney, occasionally asks to do a personal post on what he sees as important to our industry. Today is one of those days. Enjoy! – The KCM Crew

Last week, I was talking to a young couple I know that was about to close on their first home. They were riding the wild rollercoaster of current mortgage rate swings and were not happy about the mortgage process overall. Yet, when the conversation shifted to finally living in a home that they own, their disposition changed dramatically.

A smile came across their faces as they talked about decorating their son’s bedroom and how much he will enjoy the backyard. They talked about inviting friends over for dinner and their family over for the holidays. The more they talked, the more excited they became.

I asked them if many of their friends were also buying. I was shocked to find out that they weren’t. Why not? Their friends believed that homeownership was financially unobtainable right now. Many wanted to own but didn’t think they could afford the monthly mortgage payment. They decided to rent instead.

I said that, with interest rates and prices where they are today, owning a home might not be any more expensive than renting one. The couple agreed but said their friends were afraid; afraid they might not qualify for a loan, afraid to handle negotiations with a seller, afraid of the home buying process itself.

Wow!

People should not make decisions out of fear! I’m not saying that every young person should own a home. I am saying that anyone that is qualified and wants to buy should not be afraid of the process. I realize the process may seem daunting but realize over 10,000 homes sell every day in this country. Sit down and discuss your goals with professionals from both the real estate and mortgage industries. Get the facts. Make an informed decision. Don’t let the fear of the unknown prevent you from living the life of your dreams.

Prices are slowly creeping up again, interests are no longer at the 3% range and inventory is lower than it have been. If you are ready, pre-qualified to buy a home, don't wonder when it is the right time, because the right time is starring at you.

Is this the time for you to make a move and start looking for a place to call home? If so, contact me and let me start looking for your new home.

Noemi Cardoso
William Raveis Real Estate
Cell: 508-558-1945
www.DistinctiveHomes-NE.com
Noemi@ncardoso.com

by Steve Harney on July 24, 2013

in For Buyers

Purchasing a New Home.

Step 1: Get Your Finances in Order

Your credit reports are an ongoing look at how you manage your finances. You must know exactly what your credit reports say about your financial history before you apply for a mortgage, because the reports play an important role in the mortgage approval process and in determining the interest rate and other loan terms that a lender offers you. If you haven't looked at your credit reports, you might be surprised at their contents, because errors are common.

Step 2: Get Familiar with the Mortgage Industry

Finding the right loan is crucial to your home buying success. We. can help you understand what is available to suit your needs. Their help and expertise will help you make an informed decision and they will guide you throughout the entire process.

Step 3: Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

Do you know how much house you can afford? Probably not ! Our Pre-approval gives you that competitive edge over other house hunters. Consider this scenario. A home seller gets two similar offers. One is accompanied by a letter from us that states she is pre-approved for a mortgage in the amount of the offer. The other has no supporting documents. Which offer do you think the seller will consider first?

Step 4: Determine Your Wants and Needs

Buying a home isn't as difficult as you might think, even if you're short on funds, but the process will go a lot smoother if you let us help you get familiar with your real estate market and narrow down your wants and needs before you start looking at houses.

Step 5: Learn to Work with Real Estate Agents

Real estate agents represent buyers, sellers, or both--and in some states they can work as neutral facilitators for either party. It's essential to understand agent duties and loyalties before you make that first phone call.