1. One of the most important steps to do before buying a house is establishing a budget. This is really important so buyers do not search for homes that are beyond their budget only to get disappointed that they cannot afford a the house they like later on in the process.

2. Shop for a competitive loan. Call at least 3-4 lenders to see who will give you the best rates. Some people look to their personal banks for loans which makes a lot of sense. I would encourage everyone to shop around to see if some of the smaller lenders who specialize in home mortgages can do better. As a consumer it’s very wise to do the homework, and get the best rates & service possible.

3. Identify the neighborhoods and locations that you would most like to live. Some people want a view of the water, or to be within walking distance of grocery stores, and restaurants.  Is the school district important where you live?  Geography is everything. It’s best to have at least 1-3 areas that you like so you have some flexibility to have the greatest number of options in this highly competitive sellers market.

4. Once you have a made some decisions on the location of where you want to live the next step is figuring out what your needs are for your house. How many bedrooms, and bathrooms do you need. What kind of closet space will you need?  Perhaps a basement for storage? Is a back yard important to you? Do you want to be near public transportation?  Once you have an idea of what  your housing  needs are, I will be most effective in helping you achieve you wishes for getting your new home.

Now our house hunt will begin. Since I know the local market I can quickly help you narrow down the number of areas, where you are likely to find the type home at the price you desire. I will make appointments to preview homes to help eliminate the ones that do not meet you criteria. I will also make appointments for us to see homes listed of sale in your desired areas. This can really streamline the process.

Once we find the perfect home for you, I will help to negotiate the best terms possible, and explain all the details involved in buying a home – from having a home inspection, to all the steps that lead to a successful closing.