Eight steps to buying your home
Deciding how much house you can afford
Opting for new home construction
How can a real estate agent help me?
Eight important questions to ask your agent
Contact us about buying a home
Benefits of a Real Estate Agent When Buying
- A real estate agent works with local lenders to help you determine how much home you can actually afford.
- A real estate agent can help you work out a realistic idea of the home best suited to your needs - size, style, features, location, accessibility to schools, transportation, shopping and other features.
- A real estate agent has access to listings of available homes, can evaluate them in terms of your needs and affordability, and doesn't waste your time on unsuitable homes.
- A real estate agent can often suggest simple, imaginative changes that could make a home more suitable for you and improve its utility and value.
- A real estate agent can supply information on real estate values, taxes, utility costs, municipal services and facilities, and may be aware of proposed zoning changes that could affect your decision to buy.
- A real estate agent can research your housing needs in advance through Multiple Listing Service - even if you are relocating in another city.
- A real estate agent has no emotional ties to the homes, can be objective about them anc can point out advantages and disadvantages while answering your questions.
- A real estate agent is the seller's agent, he or she acts as a liaison between you and the seller to present offers and counteroffers until an agreement is reached.
- A real estate agent can help familiarize you with the closing process by explaining it to you in advance.
- A real estate agent is part of a network of professional colleagues, such as appraisers, home inspectors, mortgage lenders, contractors and insurance agents.
9 Great Reasons to buy a home in 2013!!
1. Quality of life- a home provides stability and security for you and your loved ones, and membership within a community of neighbors.
2. Pride of home ownership- a home is a personal haven, a place that you can decorate, shape, and share over time because it’s yours.
3. Excellent affordability- lower home prices combine with low interest rates means there are tremendous opportunities for buyers.
4. Historically low interest rates- around 5% in the U.S. gives better purchasing power to those who qualify.
5. Appreciation potential- your home investment can grow in value.
6. Equity buildup and debt pay down- homeowners enjoy an average net worth of approximately $184,000 vs. $4,000 for renters.
7Leverage- where else can you buy an investment of this magnitude with 5-10 percent down?
8. Tax deduction advantages- property tax and mortgage interest write-offs (in Canada, home owners gain a tax benefit upon selling.)
9. The real cost of renting- at $800 per month, with the average 6% rental increase per year, you will pay $126,536 over a 10- year period but have zero ownership of the property.
