Where to Start?  I want to buy a house in 2011!  

 I’m ready, I think!  But Where do I start?

     There are many components to buying your first home or moving up to a bigger home in this market and it has made many of us are a bit nervous!

   

    The first thing you need to do is make a list of the must haves and the would likes, then find a reliable and honest agent, one who wants to work for you! 

 

   You don’t have to interview ten agents, but call a few and see how you match their personality and attitude.   Once you have entered into a Buyer Agency Agreement – Remember that they need a commitment from you as well as you from them! – then have them start focusing on neighborhoods and preview as many houses as you can, while zipping through Open Houses.

  

   Don’t be discouraged!  The perfect house may come along, but you may not be ready to move on making an offer.  I tell all my clients, first time or otherwise, IT’S A PROCESS!!  You will know when you are ready to pounce!

  

  I can offer a few sites that can help you get started, but also feel free to call me in the Washington DC Metro area to help you with lending pre-qualification and strategies to buy your new home!

http://partners.leadfusion.com/tools/wfhm_jv/home01/tool.fcs

http://partners.leadfusion.com/tools/wfhm_jv/home17/tool.fcs

                       

Steps to Prepare for Home Ownership

•  Decide how much you can afford - take a realistic view of your bills

• Create a “Wish List” (be prepared to give up some items)

• Consider several neighborhoods – don’t limit to one particular area, initially – be open minded and check out activity during weekends & during the week

• Determine downpayment & closing costs

• Get your credit in order – work with a lender EARLY!  It may take several months to repair a bad credit score

• Explore mortgage options with more than one Lender

• Secure all necessary documents for Lender

• Calculate all homeownership costs (mortgage, taxes, association fees, monthly utilities, etc.)

• Start Looking For That Special House and Let Me Help! 

                                                             Lynn Stewart, Realtor®, Licensed in DC, MD & VA

                                                             lynn.s@longandfoster.com     301/580-4552 (cell)  301/229-4000 (office)

                                                             W.C. & A.N. Miller, A Long & Foster Co.

                                                             Exclusive Affiliate of Christie’s Great Estates