Why should I buy, instead of rent? (see "Calculators" tab to work out the numbers)

• A home is an investment. When you rent, you write your monthly check and that money is gone forever. When you own your home, you can deduct the cost of your mortgage loan interest from your federal income taxes, and usually from your state taxes. You can also deduct the property taxes you pay as a homeowner. In addition, the value of your home may go up over the years.

Should I use a Real Estate Agent? ABSOLUTELY!

• Using a Real Estate Agent is a very good idea. All the details involved in home buying can be mind-boggling. A good Real Estate Professional can guide you through the entire process and make the experience much easier. I will help you figure the price range you can afford and search the classified ads and multiple listing services for homes you'll want to see. With immediate access to homes as soon as they're put on the market, I can save you hours of wasted driving-around time. When it's time to make an offer on a home, I can point out ways to structure your deal to save you money. I'lll be there to hold your hand and answer last-minute questions when you sign the final papers at closing.

How do I find out how much house I can afford?

• This is easy! I can either refer you to Lenders I am familiar with or you can contact your bank or any Lender you know of. The loan officer will take your information (many times over the phone) and let you know what loan amount you would qualify for. The information he/she will need is income, debts and bank accounts. You will need a "Lender Pre-Approval Letter" when you write an offer on a home. That is why you need to talk with a Lender prior to seeing properties.

How much money will I have to come up with to buy a home?

• Well, that depends on a number of factors, including the cost of the house and the type of mortgage you get. In general, you need to come up with enough money to cover three costs: earnest money - the deposit you make on the home when you submit your offer, to prove to the seller that you are serious about wanting to buy the house; the down payment, a percentage of the cost of the home that you must pay when you go to settlement; and closing costs, the costs associated with processing the paperwork to buy a house.

What happens once I make a decision to begin the process of looking for a home?

• You and I meet in my office. We get to know each other first before seeing properties. There is much information I have to share with you, so that you have all the tools necessary to buy your first property. There are forms that you and I sign together. Some of these forms allow me to represent you as a client. This is called a "Buyer Broker" agreement. All buyers that are properly represented, come into this process well armed. I will explain all of these documents during our first meeting.