Buyer Resources

We can connect you with experienced and creative lenders to help you figure out the best financing strategy for your particular situation and to be sure that you understand what monthly payment and down payment requirements and closing costs you can afford, and that you are comfortable with.

For most buyers, choosing a home is an emotional process and one that often has to be made within a relatively short  time frame. An agent can assist you in this process by offering objective information about the homes and helping you make the best decision for your needs, from local community information like schools and zoning to home-specific details like condition and amenities.

Once you’ve found the home of your dreams, an agent will research recent comparable sales of similar homes, market conditions, and a variety of other factors to help determine the best offer to get you the best deal possible, while also giving you a strong chance of winning in today's competitive market.

Closing, or settlement, can be a complicated process and a real estate agent can help ensure that everything goes smoothly from inspections to title searches to appraisal to homeowners insurance. 

Take the time to figure out what type of property you want to buy. From single-family and multi-family homes to condos and co-ops, there are many different options and it’s important to choose the type that best fits your needs. Figuring out the town or neighborhood you want to live in is equally important. While a property might have all of the amenities you’re looking for, it is a good idea to list out and prioritize your needs before you begin your search.

The general rule of thumb is that you should never spend more than 30% of your monthly income on a mortgage payment. An alternate rule states that you can afford to buy a property that runs about two-and-a-half times your annual salary. For a more tailored look at what you can afford, use an online mortgage calculator to see what your monthly mortgage payments would be if you bought a home today.

A few months before you start searching for a home, review your credit history and make sure it is in good standing. Get copies of your credit report, ensure that it’s accurate, and fix any issues you discover. You’ll also want to get pre-approved for a home loan, which will put you in a better position to make a serious offer once you find the right property. Pre-approval from a lender is based on your credit history, debt, and income, and it can be helpful to use a lender that your real estate agent knows and trusts to be sure you are in the best hands.