BUYING TIPS

1. Check your credit report.  Checking it early in the home buying process will give you time to make any corrections needed. Making corrections takes time; better to be prepared now than surprised later. 

 2. Talk to a lender and get pre-qualified.  Find out exactly how much you can afford and what type of  loans are available to you and their benefits.  The last thing you want to do is start looking at homes you can't afford, fall in love with one and then find out you don't qualify.

 3. Make a list of the important features and amenities you want your new home to have. Some items to consider are:
Architectural style... one level, two story, Colonial or traditional or contemporary , .New construction, resale home or a fixer upper. How many bedrooms, bathrooms. What size and layout is wanted in your kitchen. .What type of follow plan, open & airy or traditional.  Lot size... small lots, acreage. One, two or three car garage. What type of floors, hardwood, tile, etc.. School needs... public or private. Large pieces of furniture.. Antique dining room pieces, triple dressers, grand pianos? Measure your room sizes now and bring them with you are we preview homes. 

 4. Rank these features in "Must haves," and ones you will comprise on.  If buying a home with a spouse or significant other here is a good tip. Create individuals list of "Must haves and then compare the two lists. This will minimize any disagreements and narrow your search. 

 5. If you have to resell soon, don't buy an unusual home.

 6. Expect lower maintenance costs with a brand-new home. 

 7. Never tell a sellers broker how much you'll raise your offer for a particular house. 

 8. Pay attention to floor plans. Changing layouts of rooms later, can be costly. 

 9. Pay attention to the original listing date of the homes you inspect; Sellers tend to be more flexible in the price the longer the home is on the market. 

10. If you think you may need more space in the near future, be sure the house and lot will allow for expansion. 

11. Redoing a kitchen is likely to be expensive. So be sure of what you need and want before you buy. 

12. Don't buy a house with foundation problems. Although most foundation problems can be corrected, repair work is usually expensive. 

13. Before you buy a house that may have a wet basement problem, get a good unbiased diagnosis from a professional with moisture control experience. The solution could be costly. 

14. A house that's sited to take advantage of the sun, the wind and the typography costs less to heat and cool and can save thousands of dollars over the years in utility bills. 

15. Buying a house whose style is uniquely individual will probably minimize rather than maximize its resale value because the house will appeal to a somewhat more limited number of potential buyers.