You are about to embark on one of the most important and exciting decisions in your lifetime, the selection and purchase of a home. It is a decision that will bring you years of comfort and joy. Yet, the idea of spending your free time evaluating homes and neighborhoods, figuring your down payment and monthly costs, applying for a loan, and finalizing the purchase can be an overwhelming process. For some buyers, the process is tedious and confusing. This is why consulting a professional Realtor and particularly an Accredited Buyers Representative (A.B.R.) is a smart decision.

As a licensed Real Estate Agent and A.B.R I can help you find a house, efficiently and quickly.

Your Realtor's expertise, experiences and reputation will be crucial in helping you find the right home of your dreams. I can provide access to the Multiple Listing Services MLS which provide information on virtually every home in the market. This is a useful tool because it provides the most current, comparative information available for more informed shopping.

Once you have calculated a price range, I will work with you to establish criteria that will lead you to the right home.

When you are ready to make an offer, I can assist you. By telling you what comparable homes are selling for in the same neighborhood and structuring the offer. I am your advocate and act as the intermediary between you and the seller who is likely to be represented by an agent. If there are negotiations over price, closing dates, contingencies, and items-such as appliances- to be left or taken, I will be your advocate.

Once your offer is accepted, you will have a lot to do in a short period of time. I will direct you to inspections, insurance, and other title professionals for your escrow, title and other needs. I will keep you on track and organized.

Shop smarter not harder
Fine tune those dreams of your next home by working on the answers to two questions:
How much house can you afford?
What are your needs and preferences in a home?

How much house can you afford?
Though you may be willing to spend until it hurts, the name of the game is how much a lender calculates you can afford. I can put you in touch with a lender to help you through the financial process of pre-qualifying (targeting the amount that a financial institution will lend you) and pre-approving you for a loan. In general, lenders allow your total monthly housing costs to go as high as, but not more than 30% of your gross monthly income. The second requirement is that not more than 36% of your gross monthly income can be tied up in total monthly house payment and payments on outstanding long-term debt.

Lenders use slightly different formulas for arriving at “total monthly house payment.” These costs generally include your mortgage principal and interest payment, property taxes as a monthly figure, and hazard insurance as a monthly figure. These four items are referred to as PITI (principal, interest, taxes, and insurance). If you are required to pay private mortgage insurance (PMI) because your down payment is less than 20%, those premium payments will also be included. If you decide to buy a condominium or townhouse, the monthly homeowners association fees will be included. Keep in mind, these formulas aren’t cut-and-dried and things change from lender to lender so your best bet is to consult.

Get your financing in order
You can get together with a lender to get your loan application completed and the financing process completed. Be prepared to provide the lender with copies of any important and necessary information.