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.

Working with first time home-buyers is a very delicate transaction. You don't want to work with just anyone. The most important questions you should ask before selecting an agent would be the follow in my opinion: How long have you been working in real estate? You don't want a new agent fresh out of school just trying to get their first transaction closed. Someone experienced that can give you the guidance and along the way. It's a big purchase so you want an experienced agent. How many first-time buyers have you helped? This is important because first time home buyers are inexperienced and unknowledgeable so they need a agent that knows what they are doing. They are different then working with someone who has purchased 1 or 2 houses prior. How well do you know this area and the local market? knowing the area and the market is crucial they have to match the home buyer's needs. Just because you like a house the area may not be what you expressed during your consultation. And knowing the local market will help with placing a reasonable offer on a home that you choose. What neighborhoods would you recommend for my budget? Budget, location and your lifestyle all have to be considered when purchasing a home. You need an agent that can guide you and keep you within your means. If you say you want to stay within a certain mortgage payment then that is what your agent should be focusing on. I have read all of the other agents responses and I totally agree with them as well.

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 commonaEUR"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!

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.

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 moreaEUR?, 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.