If you own your current home: 

• Seek professional help in determining probable sales price and net proceeds (after all closing costs are considered). We will be happy to give you help pricing your home
   

  Don't start looking at homes until your finances are determined in detail. 

  1. Locate the general area where you are interested in buying and familiarize yourself with it by driving around. You may also want to see if the area is affordable by looking at the real estate online and ads in the newspaper. Thoroughly research an area's market values and trends, schools, and potential zoning changes.

  2. Work only with a Realtor you trust. Interview the agent you have in mind and be certain he or she is the right person for you. Find a local real estate agent who knows the area where you want to buy. Explain to the agent your relationship will be on a trial basis and then use that agent exclusively - as long as you are working well together. Understand the different levels of representation affecting a Realtor's assistance. Virtually all homes are listed MLS and can be shown by any agent. Loyalty to one agent will help to create a reciprocal loyalty to you. There are several ways in which a concerned agent can help to save to save you money.  

  3. Before you look, go over your house, area and price requirements with your agent. Look only at houses that meet your price criteria. 

  4. Obtain copies of all area listings to read thoroughly - this will help you to weed out unsuitable properties and to save time and energy.

  5. Go over your finances with your agent. He/she should be able to give you an idea of what you can afford, required downpayment, closing costs, lawyers fees, etc. Your agent should also have an idea of which financial institutions would be most responsive to your needs. If possible, go to the lender and get pre-approved for your mortgage.

  6. When you do go to look at property, wear comfortable clothing and slip shoes (you'll be taking your shoes on and off endlessly). Take copies of the listings for the properties which you are going to see. Write your comments in the margin - it can be difficult to remember five or 10 properties at the end of the day without doing this.

  7. You may want to view properties a second time when you get a short list of possibilities.

  8. If the home you are considering is older, or if there are concerns about soundness of construction, you may want to make your offer conditional on the approval of a property inspector. The fee for this service is usually a couple hundred dollars - it may save you money in the long run.

  9. By this time you should have a feel for the values of properties in the area. You should also have an idea of what you want and what you can afford. It's time to make an offer!

  10.  Don't overestimate your level of personal "fix-up" ability. Consider hiring professionals to inspect a minimum of the following items: 

  • Mechanical components
  • Structure and chimney
  • Roof
  • Underground sprinklers