One of the best ways to get started is to become familiar with the Home Buyer Process. There are a variety of articles and resources on this website for which will help provide you with a good overview of the home buying process.You'll also want to review any other information you have access to.

We aim to provide you with a rich resource of tools and information and to guide you toward making the most informed buying decision possible. In some instances, we may actually point you toward other sources of information in addition to what we are able to provide.

There are several things you can do relating to your specific home buyer needs and desires:

• Frst, you'll want to review your personal finances and begin to get a feel for how much house you can afford. Visit our finance page and to get familiar with the Home Loan Process and to learn about what loan programs and options may be available to you.
• Next, you'll want to describe the characteristics of your dream home. One way to accomplish this is to fill out our Dream Home Finder form. This will help us better understand your home search criteria and give us the information we need to locate candidate properties for you to consider. This is a free service and there is no cost or obligation on your part.
• Your next step is to contact us with any more specific comments or questions you may have. With the information we receive on the Dream Home Finder form, we can immediately begin to search for your dream home.

A good rule of thumb is to allow approximately 2 months before the date you would like to move in order to complete the property search and purchase closing. This should be enough time to find a home that suits your needs and negotiate the terms.

During this time you will also complete the inspection, appraisal and loan application process. You may need extra time if you need to sell your existing home. In most cases, it's wise to list your existing home for sale first, and then begin to search for your new home.

You can visit our seller page on this website or contact us for information on how we can help with selling your existing home.

Buyer's typically do not pay a buyer agent commission. Common practice is for the Listing Broker to pay the buyer agent's commission. Once you decide on a buyer agent, you'll review and sign a buyer agent agreement which will clarify the duties of the buyer agent and method of compensation.

Yes. It's in your best interest to get pre-qualified first. This will give you an idea of what price range you should be looking in and will help streamline the home buying process. With a pre-qualification letter from a lender submitted with your offer to purchase, you will be able to assure the seller you are a willing and able buyer.

There are some basic conditions that must be met to qualify for the $8,000 tax credit:

• Home Buyer Status: First time home owners or buyers who have not owned a home in the last 3 years may qualify.
• Income Limits: You must also satisfy the income limits of $75,000 for a single or $150,000 for joint income tax filers.
• Duration in the Home: You must live in the home for at least 3 years to avoid paying back the $8,000 credit.
• Purchase Timeframe: You must purchase your home before December 1, 2009.

If you meet the above criteria, you may be entitled to claim the $8,000 tax credit on your tax return and receive a refund check.

For example, if taxes are owed according to your Federal income tax return, the $8,000 tax credit will be applied toward the amount due. Any amount remaining will be sent to you in as a refund check from the Federal Government. In addition, programs are now in place to make the funds from the tax credit available at the time of purchase to assist with closing costs and down payment.

Visit our finance page for more information about the $8,000 tax credit.

Choosing your lender is very important. You need to feel comfortable with them and know that you can trust them to look out for your best interest.

We can help guide you through the home loan process of selecting a lender that will get you the best loan product possible that meets your needs. We have several preferred lending partners for you to consider or you can choose your own.

Here are some things you'll want to consider about your lender:

• Does the lender speak to you in terms you understand?
• Are your questions answered to your satisfaction?
• Are they offering you alternatives and explaining the benefits of each?

With these thoughts in mind, your best defense is a good offence-be a smart consumer. Gather as much information as possible to help you learn about the home buyer process and home loan process.

Visit our finance page for more information on the loan process and lenders. You can contact us by phone or email at any point along the way and we will be happy to help out in any way we can.

There are many benefits to home ownership versus renting:

• Tax Advantages: Home owners receive federal income tax deductions for mortgage interest and property tax paid. This means that you will actually save money every month that you own your home since the amount of income you are taxed on is effectively reduced. This translates directly into more money in your pocket every month just as if you had received a pay raise.
• Tax Credit Incentives: In addition to the regular tax advantages, you may be entitled to an $8,000 tax credit if you purchase your home before December 1, 2009. A tax credit is different from a tax deduction in that your taxes are decreased dollar for dollar by the amount of the credit. And if your taxes are less than $8,000 you will receive a check from the Federal Government for the difference between the tax credit and the amount of tax you paid.
• Build Equity: When you rent you are essentially pouring money down the drain that you will not recover. As a home owner, you will build equity as your house increases in value year over year. With interest rates at an all time low, home owners are far more likely to come out ahead of renters even in a market with declining property values.
• Good Investment: For most people, their home is their largest financial asset. With home values increasing at 4.5% on average, home ownership provides a steady return on investment. In contrast, stocks, bonds or mutual funds are much more volatile.
• Increase your Net Worth: According to the Federal Reserve Board, on average, home owners have a significantly higher new worth than renters. You increase your net worth by paying down your mortgage and through appreciating value of your home over time.
• Other Considerations: There are numerous other considerations that benefit homeowners over renters including community enrichment, personal pride of ownership, stability, and positive effects on children.

These are just a few of the many things to consider with regard to renting versus buying a home. Visit our resources page for additional information.