April 4, 2013
It’s a great time of year to get a jump on the home buying competition by checking out open houses in DC Maryland and Virginia. Before getting in the car to run to the nearest “Open Sunday” sign, take note of these tips. The first tip is to do your research with your Realtor or online to find the properties in the neighborhoods that interest you. There are great mobile apps that can guide your search as well. Realtor.com, Trulia and other big sites have great mobile apps which let you search for open houses by list or map and […]
April 25, 2013
For most would-be homebuyers, making a run at homeownership is going to mean getting approved for a home loan. It’s a process that, at best, can be stressful and confusing. Borrowers can be better prepared by taking steps to study their options and learn what to expect from a lender. “It’s surprising to me that people tend to spend more time in pre-purchase research for a car than they do for a home mortgage,” says Chris George, president of home mortgage lender CMG Financial. Keeping up to date on changes in the mortgage market is necessary, because the government, which essentially […]
January 6, 2014
Are you thinking about buying your first home this year? It has been said repeatedly that this is one of the biggest financial decisions you will ever make. It’s both an exciting and nerve-racking time for perspective homeowners. Setting realistic expectations is a must; rarely do first time home buyers purchase their dream home. That may happen on the second or third purchase. The first step is to save! According the National Association of Realtors, 32% of all buyers cut spending on luxury or non-essential items. Twenty-six percent cut spending on entertainment, 20% cut spending on clothes and 13% canceled […]
September 26, 2016
So you’ve saved up your down payment, and you’re ready to start looking for your first home? Choosing the right real estate agent to help you find what you’re looking for is an important variable in the purchase equation. While the housing market is awash with agents, there are essentially only two types; each one plays a different role in the real estate transaction. Seller’s Agent Vs. Buyer’s Agent Seller’s Agent: This agent lists the house and works for the seller. In this role, the agent provides information about the buyers, help with pricing the property, and advises the seller during […]
October 18, 2016
The decision to balance student loan debt with homeownership is an audacious one, and quite satisfying if it’s well-executed. Find out how your degree type and student loan repayment program influence your ability to secure different types of home loans – and learn what you need to do to demonstrate your capability as a borrower. Purchasing your first home is a huge investment, and an even greater accomplishment. To ensure your success, it’s imperative to have your finances in order. In particular, there may be much speculation and concern surrounding the impact of student loan debt on home-buying achievement. Perhaps […]