This is the best of times for homebuyers.  Extremely low interest rates along with low prices make this opportunity time for buyers. 

FHA mortgages require only 3.5% downpayment and you have the possibility of the seller contributing to closing costs.  If you need assistance with closing costs you might want to check with Home Headquarters www.homehg.org for possible low interest loans or grants that might be available. If you are buying in the University area check www.unpa.net for availability of grants.  Veterans can check their eligibility status on www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans and first time homebuyers can visit www.nyhomes.org for information on SONYMA mortgages.  Homebuyers looking for a home in a rural location might want to check thier eligibility for a no downpayment loan from USDA www.usda.gov.  There are many opportunities.  Give me a call and I will help you to research these opportunities.

It is important that you have a buyer's agent to work on your behalf.  If you call the number on a real estate sign in front of a property you will be put in touch with the seller's agent. The seller's agent has fiduciary reponsibility to the seller. A buyer's agent has an obligation to the buyer to work in the buyer's interest.   

Get a mortgage "pre-qual" or "pre-approval" letter in order to determine the correct price range for your new home. When you get pre-qualified you will learn what monthly payments to expect and how much cash you will need to bring to closing.  Your credit score, income and debt are factors that go into getting "pre-qualified".  

Having a buyer's agent and a mortgage pre-qualification, you are ready to go shopping for your next home.  There are different ways to approach this part of the process.  Some buyers are very active "on-line" and like to do much of their own research.  Other buyers prefer to have their agent set up property searches and send listings.  

When you have selected the home that you want, you have the option of making your offer contingent on a home inspection.  You will need an attorney to represent you as purchaser.  Shortly after your offer has been accepted, you will make your formal mortgage application.  Your lender will give you a "good faith estimate" at this time, so you know what to expect to bring to the closing table. The mortgage commitment date is an important part of the contract so I stay in close communication with the lender while this is being generated.

The sellers generally provide an updated abstract of title and survey.  After these have been reviewed by your attorney and your lender gives the "clear to close", the closing date can be scheduled.  Just prior to closing we will do a "walk-through" to be sure the property is as represented.

As your buyer's agent, I will be with you through out the process and available on my cell phone or email to answer your questions.  

I look forward to working with you.