If you’re a first time homebuyer, chances are that buying a home seems like a pretty scary process.  There’s so much to learn!  So many buzzwords!  How will you know if the home you choose is a good investment?  How do you assure that you don’t buy a lemon? 

Buying your first home doesn’t have to be a murky process.  If you partner with a Realtor who takes the time to educate you on the process, you’ll relieve a lot of stress, and feel confident that you CAN buy a great home!

Shortly after we meet, we’ll schedule a buyer counseling meeting.  I’ll explain the entire homebuying process -- from searching for a home all the way through closing.  I’ll cover every major step in between, and estimate how much money you’ll need at every stage of the process.  I’ll give you a good idea of the timing involved, so you can decide when to start looking, and when you should buy to coordinate your move-out with the landlord, or mom and dad. 

Confused about financing?  No surprise.  We’ll talk about a few options available, and decide on a mortgage plan that’s right for your specific situation.  If you don’t already have a lender in mind, I’ll give you several names and numbers of loan officers I’ve come to trust and rely on.

Not much cash?  With today’s liberal loan programs, you don’t need much.  There are 100% and even 103% loans available.  There are grants available from state and county sources to help with your down payment and/or closing costs.  And, it’s not uncommon to have the seller help you with some of your up-front costs.  Believe it or not, I’ve been to closings where the buyer got money back!

Credit not spotless?  It might be less of a problem than you think.  I can suggest a number of ways to elevate your credit scores.  This will not only help you qualify for a mortgage, it might just reduce your mortgage interest rate.

You don’t know a good home from a bad one?  That’s where having a Realtor/partner who knows construction can be a real asset.  As we’re looking at homes together, I’ll explain what to look out for, and point out potential problems with houses we see. (Did I mention that I used to rehab homes for a living?)