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If you're like most first-time home buyers, you've probably listened to friends', family's and coworkers' advice, many of whom are encouraging you to buy a home. However, you may still wonder if buying a home is the right thing to do. Relax. Having reservations is normal. The more you know about why you should buy a home, the less scary the entire process will appear to you. Here are some reasons you should consider buying a home sooner than later.
Favorable Interest Rates
One of the greatest and most obvious reasons to consider buying a home is the interest rates. Interest rates today, are some of the lowest rates that we have seen in years. It is possible that they will go even lower. You may think that getting a home loan in order to take advantage of these rates is impossible. Although credit standards and loan approval may be higher than before, obtaining a loan is well within the reach of homebuyers with a good credit rating and a steady income that can support the monthly mortgage payments.
Tax Benefits
The second best reason to buy a home is the tax savings. For most workers buying a home may not only allow them to deduct the mortgage interests, it also gives them the ability to itemize their deductions, which they may not have been able to do previously. Once you have lived in your home for two years, you are able to exclude an amount of profit from your capital gains. In addition, you are able to take advantage of this exclusion every two years, even if you decided to sell the home after you have lived there for at least two years.
Appreciation
Unlike cars, houses appreciate over time. Therefore, your house will more than likely be worth more in a few years than you paid for it. Some people take full advantage of the appreciation factor and sell their homes for a profit.
Plenty to Choose From
However, another great reason to buy a house now is the selection. Unfortunately, due to rising foreclosure, there are numerous houses on the market in every state. Regardless of your tastes or preferences, you should be able to find just what you are looking for.
Acquire Equity
Houses are also good sources for future credit and or financing. Homeowners are able to turn the equity that they have in their home into a loan or line of credit through refinancing. This benefit has proven to be important, in a down economy or in situations where medical bills are unmanageable, home repairs or improvements are needed, or kids need funds for college.
Personal Reasons
However, it may be a larger factor for some more than others there are personal and family related reasons for buying a home. The family reasons are usually the most obvious and typically include the need for additional space due to a growing family or relocation for a job or business opportunity. Yet, personal reasons are not always considered. For many, the desire to be able to customize a living space without asking for permission is strong and often a great motivator for young adults to buy their first home. Others grow tired of the noise, neighbors, and cramped quarters of apartments and/or dorm life.
Owning your Home
One of the more traditional reasons for buying a home is that you are purchasing property that you can actually own rather than paying for the use of someone else's property. As we start to get older, the desire to have a place to settle down and retire in becomes more pressing. If you buy a home, you own property that you can not only retire into; but also, pass on to your children.
Asset Ownership
The idea of owning property that can be passed down is the reason many people work and save, which leads us to the next reason to buy a home. There is a pride and peace of mind that comes with owning a house. This is the ability to see why you go to work day in and day out, work two or jobs, or work two or more shifts. This sense of accomplishment cannot be duplicated when renting.
Becoming Part of a Community
If you are searching for a strong sense of community, than you need to consider buying a home. When you own a home in a good neighborhood, you take the time to meet and get to know your neighbors. In addition, you are more likely to become involved in neighborhood activities and community programs.
Flexibility
If you have entertained the idea of starting your own home based business, you may find that it is much easier to convert an extra room in your home into a home office than it is in a rental or apartment setting. You may be able to have a designated entrance for clients, as well as space for a small waiting area. However, depending on the type of business you are considering more elaborate modifications may be required. For example, you may need to bring a restroom up to ADA standard or install an additional sink.
Showing posts with label house buying. Show all posts
Showing posts with label house buying. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Tips for Finding the Right Home for Your Family
When beginning the process of finding a new home, it is often difficult to know where to begin. Before researching the market or analyzing housing options, home buyers may want to start by prioritizing their family’s needs, determining what are “need-to-haves” and what are “nice-to-haves.” Below are some factors you may want to consider when trying to find the right home for your family.
When you begin searching for the right home for your family, you may first want to determine what would be the best location. One of the best ways to find a home location that suits your family is to assess your needs and determine how much your family can compromise. For instance, do you have small children or pets that require a large backyard to play in? Or would you be equally happy taking your kids and dog to the local park? Do you need quiet surroundings, like a dead-end street, or do you prefer the hustle and bustle of metropolitan areas? These are the types of general assessments which may help you determine an ideal location for your family.
Though it may be easy to determine what type of environment your family wants to reside in, you will want to spend more time analyzing the details of the neighborhoods you are considering. As you try to determine which neighborhoods are best for your family, you may want to take into account such factors as the quality of nearby schools and the proximity to shopping or your workplace. After seeing what different neighborhoods have to offer, compare the pros and cons of each area you are considering to determine the best location for your family.
After you have a chance to look at a few homes and research various neighborhoods, try to visualize the best home for your family. Though you have probably already thought about how many bedrooms and bathrooms your family needs, consider keeping a list of desired amenities – both essential and those that you could live without – as you continue the home buying process. You may also want to consider what type of home construction your family needs, from a standard single-family home to a condominium or even a multi-family home. Upon viewing particular homes, you may realize that your family needs a certain amount of storage space or more overall square footage than you realized. Add and subtract from this list as you look at more homes, always keeping track of where your family can compromise.
For instance, if you find a home that meets all of your family’s needs but has a smaller than desired garage, you could still be faced with an opportunity that is too good to pass up. Furthermore, you might find the perfect home in a neighborhood you never thought to consider, or in a specific type of construction that was initially ruled out of your search. Quite simply, try not to limit your family’s options too much and remain open-minded throughout the home buying process. You might even find a great home with special features you never thought your family could afford – like a pool, a spa or an extra fireplace.
When trying to find the best home for your family, try to stay organized and keep your priorities straight. As you look at different homes, try to consider how each property fits your family’s needs. After finding some homes that meet your family’s needs, you may then want to focus on each home’s desirable extras to help narrow down your search. By making such lists and assessing your family’s needs throughout the home buying process, you might be surprised how quickly you uncover the home of your dreams.
When you begin searching for the right home for your family, you may first want to determine what would be the best location. One of the best ways to find a home location that suits your family is to assess your needs and determine how much your family can compromise. For instance, do you have small children or pets that require a large backyard to play in? Or would you be equally happy taking your kids and dog to the local park? Do you need quiet surroundings, like a dead-end street, or do you prefer the hustle and bustle of metropolitan areas? These are the types of general assessments which may help you determine an ideal location for your family.
Though it may be easy to determine what type of environment your family wants to reside in, you will want to spend more time analyzing the details of the neighborhoods you are considering. As you try to determine which neighborhoods are best for your family, you may want to take into account such factors as the quality of nearby schools and the proximity to shopping or your workplace. After seeing what different neighborhoods have to offer, compare the pros and cons of each area you are considering to determine the best location for your family.
After you have a chance to look at a few homes and research various neighborhoods, try to visualize the best home for your family. Though you have probably already thought about how many bedrooms and bathrooms your family needs, consider keeping a list of desired amenities – both essential and those that you could live without – as you continue the home buying process. You may also want to consider what type of home construction your family needs, from a standard single-family home to a condominium or even a multi-family home. Upon viewing particular homes, you may realize that your family needs a certain amount of storage space or more overall square footage than you realized. Add and subtract from this list as you look at more homes, always keeping track of where your family can compromise.
For instance, if you find a home that meets all of your family’s needs but has a smaller than desired garage, you could still be faced with an opportunity that is too good to pass up. Furthermore, you might find the perfect home in a neighborhood you never thought to consider, or in a specific type of construction that was initially ruled out of your search. Quite simply, try not to limit your family’s options too much and remain open-minded throughout the home buying process. You might even find a great home with special features you never thought your family could afford – like a pool, a spa or an extra fireplace.
When trying to find the best home for your family, try to stay organized and keep your priorities straight. As you look at different homes, try to consider how each property fits your family’s needs. After finding some homes that meet your family’s needs, you may then want to focus on each home’s desirable extras to help narrow down your search. By making such lists and assessing your family’s needs throughout the home buying process, you might be surprised how quickly you uncover the home of your dreams.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Top 7 Tips for Buying New Construction Homes
Top 7 Tips for Buying New Construction Homes
By Eric Bramlett
New home communities are more popular than ever! With good reason – new home builders are using popular, open floor-plans, including appliances, sod, and blinds, and helping make it easier than ever to get into a new home with little or no money. New home transactions typically seem a lot easier, as well. If a buyer chose to, they could get through a new home transaction without contacting anyone except the on-site sales agent! However, this would open you up to HUGE losses. Take these simple steps to protect yourself in a new home transaction, and to ensure that yours is a success.
Use a Realtor Who Has New Home Sales Experience
Many people think that they can save money by not using, or don’t need the services of a Realtor when buying a new construction home. This couldn’t be further from the truth! New homebuilders typically try to monopolize a transaction – they only give you their attractive incentive packages if you agree, in writing, to use their lender, their title company, and sometimes even their insurance company! A Realtor will walk you through the transaction and will make sure that you’re protected every step of the way. If you’ve agreed to use the builder’s lender, your Realtor will make sure that you get a fair interest rate & fair closing costs. Your Realtor will know what the industry standards are, and will make sure that the builder doesn’t try and stretch beyond these. And best of all, a Realtor with a lot of new home transactions under their belt will have established relationships with your homebuilder. Because of this, the homebuilder will be on their “best behavior.” The homebuilder doesn’t want to run the risk of getting a bad reputation in the Realtor community, who can potentially bring the builder lots of homebuyers in the future. It really just comes down to the trust level you do or don't build with the realtor's in the subdivisions.
Don’t Sign ANYTHING Until You’ve Worked Out Every Detail of the Sale
Buying a home can be very emotional – and it should be. You’re not simply picking out a house; you’re picking out where you’ll spend the holidays next year, where your parents will come visit you, and where you might raise your children. However, the on-site sales agent will try and play on this emotion and get you to “write up the contract so that no one else can get your house.” That’s just fine, as long as you understand what you’re signing, and everything is okay with you. Just remember – no matter what is said, everything will be done as it is outlined in the contract.
GET A HOME INSPECTION!!!
Most people who buy new construction homes don’t bother to get a home inspection. Most new homes come with a one year “bumper to bumper” warranty that includes everything, and many homebuyers feel that they can find out if there are any construction flaws during those 12 months. The problem with this mindset is that many problems won’t surface until well after the 12 months. Remember, your home was built by humans, and humans make mistakes. And, no matter how much experience and reputation a builder brings to the table, it’s still next to impossible for that builder to double check every part of the job their subcontractors have completed. A licensed inspector will go through a very thorough checklist to make sure that everything has been accounted for. At the very least, get an inspection so that you can sleep soundly at night, knowing that an independent third party has given your new home their stamp of approval.
(Preferred Lenders
A lot of builders offer incentives for using preferred lenders. Make sure you check into the details of what it will cost YOU to use that lender, and weigh out your options of benefit versus cost. As always... do your research!)
Research the Builder
Most builders are “good” builders. They take simple steps to protect their neighborhoods. Research your builder, or ask your Realtor if your builder takes these simple steps to make sure that your neighborhood won’t instantly go down in value:
1) Limit the # of investor purchases – this makes sure that the neighborhood doesn’t turn into a “rental” neighborhood & allows the “pride of ownership” to shine through.
2) Continues to build equal or greater value homes in the same and surrounding neighborhoods. Builders who avoid doing this create a “vacuum” in home prices and instantly devalue new home purchases.
Choose Your Appraiser
You’re going to pay for an appraisal one way or another! The lender will require that you have an appraisal in order to loan you the money for the home! Additionally, most appraisers charge about the same of money for the service – so why not choose your appraiser? Ask around until you’ve been referred to a good appraiser and request that they perform the service. Ask for a copy of it and read it! Call your appraiser if you have any questions. This will give you an in-depth knowledge of the market area – and it’s something you would pay for, regardless!
Research City Plans
New neighborhoods are typically on the outskirts of town – the land is readily available and less expensive, which means that you can buy a bigger house for the same amount of money. In these outskirt communities, it’s very important to know what the city has in store in the way of roads, zoning, public transportation, parks, and schools. These factors will dictate whether your new neighborhood will become the next “big thing,” or the next “cheap thing.” If you’ve decided to use a reputable Realtor, your job will be easy! Simply ask your Realtor and he/she will be able to provide you with lots of information about city plans that have been approved, and city plans that are still being talked about.
Happy House Hunting!
~Blalock & Associates
www.gohomesearching.com
By Eric Bramlett
New home communities are more popular than ever! With good reason – new home builders are using popular, open floor-plans, including appliances, sod, and blinds, and helping make it easier than ever to get into a new home with little or no money. New home transactions typically seem a lot easier, as well. If a buyer chose to, they could get through a new home transaction without contacting anyone except the on-site sales agent! However, this would open you up to HUGE losses. Take these simple steps to protect yourself in a new home transaction, and to ensure that yours is a success.
Use a Realtor Who Has New Home Sales Experience
Many people think that they can save money by not using, or don’t need the services of a Realtor when buying a new construction home. This couldn’t be further from the truth! New homebuilders typically try to monopolize a transaction – they only give you their attractive incentive packages if you agree, in writing, to use their lender, their title company, and sometimes even their insurance company! A Realtor will walk you through the transaction and will make sure that you’re protected every step of the way. If you’ve agreed to use the builder’s lender, your Realtor will make sure that you get a fair interest rate & fair closing costs. Your Realtor will know what the industry standards are, and will make sure that the builder doesn’t try and stretch beyond these. And best of all, a Realtor with a lot of new home transactions under their belt will have established relationships with your homebuilder. Because of this, the homebuilder will be on their “best behavior.” The homebuilder doesn’t want to run the risk of getting a bad reputation in the Realtor community, who can potentially bring the builder lots of homebuyers in the future. It really just comes down to the trust level you do or don't build with the realtor's in the subdivisions.
Don’t Sign ANYTHING Until You’ve Worked Out Every Detail of the Sale
Buying a home can be very emotional – and it should be. You’re not simply picking out a house; you’re picking out where you’ll spend the holidays next year, where your parents will come visit you, and where you might raise your children. However, the on-site sales agent will try and play on this emotion and get you to “write up the contract so that no one else can get your house.” That’s just fine, as long as you understand what you’re signing, and everything is okay with you. Just remember – no matter what is said, everything will be done as it is outlined in the contract.
GET A HOME INSPECTION!!!
Most people who buy new construction homes don’t bother to get a home inspection. Most new homes come with a one year “bumper to bumper” warranty that includes everything, and many homebuyers feel that they can find out if there are any construction flaws during those 12 months. The problem with this mindset is that many problems won’t surface until well after the 12 months. Remember, your home was built by humans, and humans make mistakes. And, no matter how much experience and reputation a builder brings to the table, it’s still next to impossible for that builder to double check every part of the job their subcontractors have completed. A licensed inspector will go through a very thorough checklist to make sure that everything has been accounted for. At the very least, get an inspection so that you can sleep soundly at night, knowing that an independent third party has given your new home their stamp of approval.
(Preferred Lenders
A lot of builders offer incentives for using preferred lenders. Make sure you check into the details of what it will cost YOU to use that lender, and weigh out your options of benefit versus cost. As always... do your research!)
Research the Builder
Most builders are “good” builders. They take simple steps to protect their neighborhoods. Research your builder, or ask your Realtor if your builder takes these simple steps to make sure that your neighborhood won’t instantly go down in value:
1) Limit the # of investor purchases – this makes sure that the neighborhood doesn’t turn into a “rental” neighborhood & allows the “pride of ownership” to shine through.
2) Continues to build equal or greater value homes in the same and surrounding neighborhoods. Builders who avoid doing this create a “vacuum” in home prices and instantly devalue new home purchases.
Choose Your Appraiser
You’re going to pay for an appraisal one way or another! The lender will require that you have an appraisal in order to loan you the money for the home! Additionally, most appraisers charge about the same of money for the service – so why not choose your appraiser? Ask around until you’ve been referred to a good appraiser and request that they perform the service. Ask for a copy of it and read it! Call your appraiser if you have any questions. This will give you an in-depth knowledge of the market area – and it’s something you would pay for, regardless!
Research City Plans
New neighborhoods are typically on the outskirts of town – the land is readily available and less expensive, which means that you can buy a bigger house for the same amount of money. In these outskirt communities, it’s very important to know what the city has in store in the way of roads, zoning, public transportation, parks, and schools. These factors will dictate whether your new neighborhood will become the next “big thing,” or the next “cheap thing.” If you’ve decided to use a reputable Realtor, your job will be easy! Simply ask your Realtor and he/she will be able to provide you with lots of information about city plans that have been approved, and city plans that are still being talked about.
Happy House Hunting!
~Blalock & Associates
www.gohomesearching.com
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
How to Sell Your Home: STAGING
If you ask a lot of Realtors what sells a home, they may say "A nice house will sell itself". So what exactly constitutes a "nice" house? Here are some great tips on how to get your home Ready to Sell:
1.Disassociate Yourself With Your Home.
You are selling a HOUSE not your HOME... Home is where the heart is right?! Say your Good-byes once you decide to sell, and strictly look at it as a financial decision from that point forward.
2.De-Personalize.
Pack up those personal photographs and family heirlooms. Buyers can't see past personal artifacts, and you don't want them to be distracted. You want buyers to imagine their own photos on the walls, and they can't do that if yours are there! You don't want to make any buyer ask, "I wonder what kind of people live in this home?" You want buyers to say, "I can see myself living here."
3. De-Clutter!
People collect an amazing quantity of junk. Consider this: if you haven't used it in over a year, you probably don't need it.
If you don't need it, why not donate it or throw it away?
Remove all books from bookcases.
Pack up those knickknacks.
Clean off everything on kitchen counters.
Put essential items used daily in a small box that can be stored in a closet when not in use.
Think of this process as a head-start on the packing you will eventually need to do anyway.
4. Rearrange Bedroom Closets and Kitchen Cabinets.
Buyers love to snoop and will open closet and cabinet doors. Think of the message it sends if items fall out! Now imagine what a buyer believes about you if she sees everything organized. It says you probably take good care of the rest of the house as well. This means:
Alphabetize spice jars (maybe).
Neatly stack dishes.
Turn coffee cup handles facing the same way.
Hang shirts together, buttoned and facing the same direction.
Line up shoes.
5. Rent a Storage Unit.
Almost every home shows better with less furniture. Remove pieces of furniture that block or hamper paths and walkways and put them in storage. Since your bookcases are now empty, store them. Remove extra leaves from your dining room table to make the room appear larger. Leave just enough furniture in each room to showcase the room's purpose and plenty of room to move around. You don't want buyers scratching their heads and saying, "What is this room used for?"
6. Remove/Replace Favorite Items.
If you want to take window coverings, built-in appliances or fixtures with you, remove them now. If the chandelier in the dining room once belonged to your great grandmother, take it down. If a buyer never sees it, she won't want it. Once you tell a buyer she can't have an item, she will covet it, and it could blow your deal. Pack those items and replace them, if necessary.
7. Make Minor Repairs.
Replace cracked floor or counter tiles.
Patch holes in walls.
Fix leaky faucets.
Fix doors that don't close properly and kitchen drawers that jam.
Consider painting your walls neutral colors, especially if you have grown accustomed to purple or pink walls. (Don't give buyers any reason to remember your home as "the house with the orange bathroom.")
Replace burned-out light bulbs.
If you've considered replacing a worn bedspread, do so now!
8. Make the House Sparkle!
Wash windows inside and out.
Rent a pressure washer and spray down sidewalks and exterior.
Clean out cobwebs.
Re-caulk tubs, showers and sinks.
Polish chrome faucets and mirrors.
Clean out the refrigerator.
Vacuum daily.
Wax floors.
Dust furniture, ceiling fan blades and light fixtures.
Bleach dingy grout.
Replace worn rugs.
Hang up fresh towels.
Bathroom towels look great fastened with ribbon and bows.
Clean and air out any musty smelling areas. Odors are a no-no.
9. Scrutinize.
Go outside and open your front door. Stand there. Do you want to go inside? Does the house welcome you?
Linger in the doorway of every single room and imagine how your house will look to a buyer.
Examine carefully how furniture is arranged and move pieces around until it makes sense.
Make sure window coverings hang level.
Tune in to the room's statement and its emotional pull. Does it have impact and pizzazz?
Does it look like nobody lives in this house? You're almost finished.
10. Check Curb Appeal.
If a buyer won't get out of her agent's car because she doesn't like the exterior of your home, you'll never get her inside.
Keep the sidewalks cleared.
Mow the lawn.
Paint faded window trim.
Plant yellow flowers or group flower pots together. Yellow evokes a buying emotion. Marigolds are inexpensive.
Trim your bushes.
Make sure visitors can clearly read your house number.
Information gathered from http://homebuying.about.com/od/sellingahouse/ht/homeprep.htm
Happy House Hunting!
~Blalock and Associates
www.gohomesearching.com
1.Disassociate Yourself With Your Home.
You are selling a HOUSE not your HOME... Home is where the heart is right?! Say your Good-byes once you decide to sell, and strictly look at it as a financial decision from that point forward.
2.De-Personalize.
Pack up those personal photographs and family heirlooms. Buyers can't see past personal artifacts, and you don't want them to be distracted. You want buyers to imagine their own photos on the walls, and they can't do that if yours are there! You don't want to make any buyer ask, "I wonder what kind of people live in this home?" You want buyers to say, "I can see myself living here."
3. De-Clutter!
People collect an amazing quantity of junk. Consider this: if you haven't used it in over a year, you probably don't need it.
If you don't need it, why not donate it or throw it away?
Remove all books from bookcases.
Pack up those knickknacks.
Clean off everything on kitchen counters.
Put essential items used daily in a small box that can be stored in a closet when not in use.
Think of this process as a head-start on the packing you will eventually need to do anyway.
4. Rearrange Bedroom Closets and Kitchen Cabinets.
Buyers love to snoop and will open closet and cabinet doors. Think of the message it sends if items fall out! Now imagine what a buyer believes about you if she sees everything organized. It says you probably take good care of the rest of the house as well. This means:
Alphabetize spice jars (maybe).
Neatly stack dishes.
Turn coffee cup handles facing the same way.
Hang shirts together, buttoned and facing the same direction.
Line up shoes.
5. Rent a Storage Unit.
Almost every home shows better with less furniture. Remove pieces of furniture that block or hamper paths and walkways and put them in storage. Since your bookcases are now empty, store them. Remove extra leaves from your dining room table to make the room appear larger. Leave just enough furniture in each room to showcase the room's purpose and plenty of room to move around. You don't want buyers scratching their heads and saying, "What is this room used for?"
6. Remove/Replace Favorite Items.
If you want to take window coverings, built-in appliances or fixtures with you, remove them now. If the chandelier in the dining room once belonged to your great grandmother, take it down. If a buyer never sees it, she won't want it. Once you tell a buyer she can't have an item, she will covet it, and it could blow your deal. Pack those items and replace them, if necessary.
7. Make Minor Repairs.
Replace cracked floor or counter tiles.
Patch holes in walls.
Fix leaky faucets.
Fix doors that don't close properly and kitchen drawers that jam.
Consider painting your walls neutral colors, especially if you have grown accustomed to purple or pink walls. (Don't give buyers any reason to remember your home as "the house with the orange bathroom.")
Replace burned-out light bulbs.
If you've considered replacing a worn bedspread, do so now!
8. Make the House Sparkle!
Wash windows inside and out.
Rent a pressure washer and spray down sidewalks and exterior.
Clean out cobwebs.
Re-caulk tubs, showers and sinks.
Polish chrome faucets and mirrors.
Clean out the refrigerator.
Vacuum daily.
Wax floors.
Dust furniture, ceiling fan blades and light fixtures.
Bleach dingy grout.
Replace worn rugs.
Hang up fresh towels.
Bathroom towels look great fastened with ribbon and bows.
Clean and air out any musty smelling areas. Odors are a no-no.
9. Scrutinize.
Go outside and open your front door. Stand there. Do you want to go inside? Does the house welcome you?
Linger in the doorway of every single room and imagine how your house will look to a buyer.
Examine carefully how furniture is arranged and move pieces around until it makes sense.
Make sure window coverings hang level.
Tune in to the room's statement and its emotional pull. Does it have impact and pizzazz?
Does it look like nobody lives in this house? You're almost finished.
10. Check Curb Appeal.
If a buyer won't get out of her agent's car because she doesn't like the exterior of your home, you'll never get her inside.
Keep the sidewalks cleared.
Mow the lawn.
Paint faded window trim.
Plant yellow flowers or group flower pots together. Yellow evokes a buying emotion. Marigolds are inexpensive.
Trim your bushes.
Make sure visitors can clearly read your house number.
Information gathered from http://homebuying.about.com/od/sellingahouse/ht/homeprep.htm
Happy House Hunting!
~Blalock and Associates
www.gohomesearching.com
Thursday, April 15, 2010
How Much House Can You REALLY Afford?
So, we are all aware of the housing crisis that our country has been experiencing in the recent years. One of the big reasons so many people have been finding themselves in foreclosure is because they were not smart about their money when buying their home. In essence, their eyes were bigger than their wallets! So do yourself a favor, and don't get caught up with the masses and find yourself struggling to pay your mortgage.
Here is a great site for figuring out what you realistically can afford!
http://www.hsh.com/calc-howmuch.html
Remember, just because you get approved for $X doesn't mean you have to max out your budget!
Buy Smarter now to be Happy later!
Happy House Hunting :)
~Blalock & Associates
Here is a great site for figuring out what you realistically can afford!
http://www.hsh.com/calc-howmuch.html
Remember, just because you get approved for $X doesn't mean you have to max out your budget!
Buy Smarter now to be Happy later!
Happy House Hunting :)
~Blalock & Associates
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