I'm thinking about buying a home. Where do I start?

First – obtain a credit check in order to dispute inaccuracies that can prevent your home loan. By the same token, it’s best not to run up charges on your credit cards in the months leading up to buying a home.

Second – get pre-approved for a mortgage. Most full-service real estate brokers will be able to assist you with this. The pre-approval process includes analyzing your income, assets and present debt to estimate how much you can afford. Having a lender’s commitment in hand makes you attractive to sellers as it streamlines the financial process.

Next – familiarize yourself with the neighborhoods in which you want to live, and then and the homes available in those areas. Educate yourself by visiting local real estate Web sites and viewing listings inventory, which will also help you decide what you want and need in a home.

With the available technology and advertising, why should I work with a real estate agent?

Internet and newspapers are good research to get a fee l for the current housing market. You may also find information to help answer many of your financing questions. Working with an agent can help you navigate through the available listings to find the home you want with less risk of missing out.

What should I consider when I start house hunting?

Compile a list of features and benefits you want in a home, such as pricing, location, size and amenities. If you can’t get a home at the price you need with all the features you want, prioritize those desired options so you know what you’re willing to give up. Be careful to consider your future needs as you rank these concerns. Your real estate agent can also help you compare the price of homes with the features you are looking for or suggest alternate uses of space.

How do I tell if I should rent or buy?

Owning a home offers tax benefits as well as the freedom to make decisions about your home. Unlike renters, homeowners secure fixed-rate loans that lock in monthly payments, helping avoid substantial expense increases. Homeowners also have near-total control of their property when it comes to decisions, such as pets, decorating and other permanent property improvements.

What do all of those abbreviations in the property ads mean?

If you find yourself stumbling to understand a description of a property, the following list should help. Here are some of the most frequently used abbreviations:

As a buyer, what are my rights regarding the past information about a property I am interested in purchasing?

Sellers must disclose all known defects associated with the property, and with the help of a real estate agent, you can you can determine a property’s history. Carefully observe the property and request any available written records. Perhaps the most important factor to remember is to have a professional inspection completed before closing.