Answers by JACQUELYNE HICKS

You want to ask the agent to prepare a market analysis for you and print out the mls sheet so that you can do a good comparison in square footage, and lot size, garage etc. Also, look at the pictures! Some homes compare in size however, not everyone takes care of their home.

Ask the lender how much down payment assistance they can help you with. Also, ask if they offer USDA loans. These loans are 0 down. I have one and I actually got money back at closing. The difference with this loan is that the house has to be in a qualified area. Make sure you get a fixed rate!

This does tend to happen. The taxes on your home went up so the mortgage company has to collect more to support your new annual tax amount.

If you’re listing soon, trimming it is usually worth it regardless of ownership. Buyers notice curb appeal before they even walk inside.

Closing costs for a home buyer typically range from about 2%–5% of the purchase price of the home. For example: On a $300,000 home, closing costs are usually around $6,000–$15,000. What Closing Costs Usually Includes: Loan origination and lender fees, appraisal, title search and title insurance, attorney or closing fees, taxes and homeowners insurance, recording fees The buyer pays most of the closing costs, however, in many transactions buyers ask the seller to contribute toward closing costs as part of the offer. This is called seller concessions, and it’s very common—especially for first-time buyers.

NEVER waive a home inspection. Not even on a new build!

cracks in the foundation or in the home on the walls. The closet space, under the sinks for previous leaks where the wood is damaged, are the doors closing on their own, pay attention to the windows and any gaps between the front and back door and the frame. Also flush the toilets look behind the refrigerator the size of the closets. It\'s always good to see a house on a rainy day!

Before moving forward here are somethings to think about: How long will we stay if we renovate? (If less than 3–5 years, renovations may not be worth it.) Will a finished basement truly solve the space issue? How much equity do we actually have? What would our payment really be if we moved? Many people assume it will be “a few hundred more”, but often it ends up being $800–$1,200 more per month. You could always rent out your current home and increase the rent to help offset the cost of your new home. But speak to an expert in your area to see how much rent you could collect a month.

You should speak to a loan officer. Ask about down payment assistance and when you go to put in an offer ask the seller for some closing cost. That will keep some of your 10k in your pocket.