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Tips for Buyers & Sellers

Bob's Quick Tips for Buying and Selling Real Estate

Reasons You Need a Realtor

Questions to Ask Your Realtor

Selling Tips

Things to do When Selling

Low Cost Ways to Spruce-up Your Home

Remodeling and What You Should Know

Tips on Moving

Buyers' Tips

Reasons to Own your Own Home

Taking the Trauma out of Homebuying

How to Prepare for Home Ownership

Finances in Order?

Pros and Cons of Condos

Tips for First Time Buyers

Tips for Buying in a Tight Market

What Your Home Inspection Should Cover

Questions to Ask Your Home Inspector

What not to Overlook on your Final Walk-through

Common Closing Costs

What to Keep from Your Closing

What is Appraised Value?

Need a Loan?

About Your Credit

About Homeowners Insurance and Saving Money

What to know about Title Insurance

What to Watch for in a Purchase Contract

Understanding Capital Gains

Tips for Pricing Your Own Home

Jeep, Car and Van Rentals

10 Steps to Prepare for Home Ownership

1. Decide how much home you can afford. Generally, you can afford a home equal in value to between 2 and 3 times your gross income.
2. Develop a wish list of what you'd like your home to have. Then prioritize the features on your list.
3. Select three or four neighborhoods you'd like to live in. Consider items such as schools, recreational facilities, area expansion plans, and safety.
4. Determine if you have enough saved to cover your downpayment and closing costs. Closing costs, including taxes, attorney's fee, and transfer fees average between 2 and 7 percent of the home price.
5. Get your credit in order. Obtain a copy of your credit report.
6. Determine how large a mortgage you can qualify for. Also explore different loans options and decide what's best for you.
7. Organize all the documentation a lender will need to preapprove you for a loan.
8. Do research to determine if you qualify for any special mortgage or downpayment assistance programs.
9. Calculate the costs of homeownership, including property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and association fees, if applicable.
10. Find an experienced REALTOR® who can help you through the process.