Category Archives: Starting
How Can I Determine My Housing Needs Before I Begin The Search
Like the video shows, your home should fit the way you live, with spaces and features that appeal to the whole family. Before you begin looking at homes make a list of your priorities – things like location and size. Should the house be close to certain schools? your job? to public transportation? How… Read More »
Why Use A REALTOR®
A state license is required to sell real estate. But roughly half of those licensed take the additional step of becoming a REALTOR®. As we show you in this video, only members of the National Association of Realtors – NAR – are entitled to use that registered trademark and call themselves a REALTOR®. As… Read More »
How Do Lenders Decide The Maximum Loan Amount That Buyers Can Afford?
As you’ll see in the video, the lenders consider your debt-to-income ratio, which is a comparison of your gross (pre-tax) income to housing and non-housing expenses. Non-housing expenses include such long-term debts as car or student loan payments, alimony, or child support. According to the FHA, monthly mortgage payments should be no more than… Read More »
How Does Purchasing A Home Compare With Renting?
Like the guy in the video says, the two don’t really compare at all. The one advantage of renting is being generally free of most maintenance responsibilities. But by renting, you lose the chance to build equity take advantage of tax benefits and protect yourself against rent increases.Also, you may be at the mercy… Read More »
How Do I Begin The Process Of Buying A Home?
Remember these pointers from the video: start by thinking about your situation. Are you ready to buy a home? How much can you afford in a monthly mortgage payment? How much space do you need? What areas of town do you like? After you answer these questions, make a “To Do” list and start… Read More »
