Buyer Handbook; What to Know Before Buying

The Benefits of Home Ownership

• A Great Investment
• Income Tax Benefits
• Stabilize Your Housing Costs
• Induced Savings
• Personal Freedom
• Increased Room

What Actions To Avoid Before Buying a Home

• Do not Move Money Between Acounts
• Changing Jobs
• Avoid All Major Purchases
• Debt to Income Ratios and Payments
• Monthly Car Payments Reduce Purchase Price

Buying a Home and the Economic Cycle

• Economic Growth and Contraction
• The Rule of Supply and Demand
• Timing the Market

Comparable Sales and Your Offer Price

• The Offer Price - What Should it Be
• Comparable Sales and The Public Records
• The Multiple Listing Service and Sold Properties
• Pending Transactions - Comparable Sales
• Additional Factors Affecting Price

Major Factors Influencing Your Offer Price

• Property Condition Influencing Offer Price
• Improvements Affect Offer Price
• Offer Price and Market Conditions
• Offer Price and Seller Motivation
• The Final Offer Price

The Purchase Contract - Writing an Offer

• Introduction and Overview
• Contingencies in The Receipt For Deposit and Purchase Agreement
• The Earnest Money Deposit
• The Closing Date
• Transfer of the Property and Possession

Writing and Offer - Safeguards Regarding the Property

• Seller Disclosures
• Property Condition at Title Transfer
• Inspections

Financing Affects Offers

• Down Payment and Interest Rates

Selecting Service Providers

• You and the Seller Must Agree

Helpful Phone Numbers

For helpful tips on packing for your move and for a list of important phone numbers just click the link.

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