Buying a home can be easy … or not!

Buying a home can be a simple process. Or, it can be frustrating. These pathways to homeownership are generally laid out well to provide easy access to that goal. It is best to have a guide that knows the procedure. Buying real estate is a process requiring a number of steps that need to be taken in order to provide the information necessary for those involved in the transaction to be on solid ground.

•Get a REALTOR® to help you. They can make a big difference. Look at it this way, if you were a candidate for brain surgery you would demand the very best doctor you could find to do the job. Real estate is not in this life-threatening category, but the ideas are the same. Go with the best. Find one you like and have confidence in.

•One of the first steps is to determine how much of a home you can afford to purchase. This depends simply on cash for the down payment and income to pay off the mortgage. If you have any credit problems, better take care of them. Get your financing setup early on.

•Once you know the limits of your home possibilities, decide where in town or out of town you would most enjoy living. It’s not a bad idea to look at numerous locations. Go to open houses in these areas and you will end up with a true sense of home costs and values in the various neighborhoods. A couple of weekends at open houses will provide some comfort in pricing. You will recognize a very good home buy when you see one.

•When you select the area in town where you wish to live, be sure and check the schools, recreational opportunities, safety, etc. You will know you are there when you feel “comfortable” about the home for sale.

•So now you know how much home you can afford by a visit to your mortgage company. And you have found the home you want. Make sure you have enough money to cover your down payment and closing costs which cover taxes, attorney’s fee, and transfer fees. These average between 2 and 7 percent of the price of the home.

•There are different types of loans. Early on, have your loan officer explain the various options you have that will be to your best advantage. There can be big differences in the type of loans you will be looking at.

•By now you have looked at homes you would like to buy. You know after a visit to the mortgage company you have chosen how much can afford to buy based on your credit report and history.

•Be sure to check to see if you qualify for special mortgage or down payment-assistance programs. There are a number of them designed to fill homebuyer’s needs.

Home buying can be easy when the steps to purchase are made based on knowledge and experience. Knowing what has to be done throughout the process can be a time saver — and possibly — a money-saver.