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Whatever your reasons for buying, finding the right home, in the perfect neighborhood, and at a cost that is within your budget, is no small task. We are licensed professionals. There are many benefits you receive from working with an experienced agent.  Organization is the key to finding the home you want while spending the least amount of time and energy. Find out how much house you can afford. Do this before you go house-hunting. I can refer you to a loan officer who can help you determine how much of a down payment you can afford, along with a monthly payment you qualify for. (To help determine how much house you can afford, see further in  this guide.)  Make a list of everything you want in a home. Is a master suite important? How many bathrooms? What about closet space? Do you need a yard for the kids and pets to play in? How about a fireplace or a bay window? Do you prefer a rambler or multiple-story house? Are schools or access to transportation important? Separate the essentials from the items you could do without and put them on the "A" list. Prioritize the rest of the items into a second and third list in order of importance. We'll then go over the list so that I'm very clear on what you want and need in your home.  Keep good notes as we look at homes. After a while, it becomes difficult to remember which features belong to what home. Some buyers make audio tapes as they go along. When selecting a home, look beyond cosmetics. Make sure the home is in good physical condition and that you understand the cost of repairs. For more information on how to assess the home's condition, refer to “home inspections” later in this guide.  Look at additional homes, even if you love the first one you see. Many times, it takes looking at several homes before you find the one that is really right for you. As your agent, I'll check with you regularly, even if you haven't found a house that suits your needs. Keeping in contact with you allows us to establish a good rapport, and helps me to learn how to help you effectively. I'll continue to be on the lookout for homes that suit your needs.   HOW MUCH HOME CAN I AFFORD?Before you start looking at homes, it's a good idea to find a target price range that you can afford.  A mortgage lender will want to make sure you can qualify for the down payment, plus a monthly mortgage payment made up of principal, interest, taxes and insurance (PITI).  Interest rates and your personal finances will influence the amount of house you can afford.  For a quick estimate of a monthly mortgage payment for which you may qualify, or to see how much of a home you might be able to afford, use our mortgage calculator section.  But remember, it's always good to talk to a lender before you start shopping for a home. we can refer you to lenders suited to your specific financial needs. PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENTOnce you've found the home you want to buy, together we'll complete a purchase and sale agreement.  This is the contract in which you and the seller outline the details of the property transfer. The purchase and sale agreement usually consists of the following pages:
·         Earnest money receipt ·         Financing addendum ·         Inspection addendum ·         Conditions/disclosure addendum ·         Contingency addendum-when appropriate ·         Addendum outlining special conditions ·         Lead-based paint notification-when appropriate  

In selected areas, the following forms
will also be part of your agreement:

 ·         Agency disclosure

·         Property disclosure form
completed by the property seller