Posts in category 'Buying A Home'

Are you ready to buy a home? Not just financially, but prepared to make major decisions quickly? To go through periods of waiting and uncertainty? As with many things in life, you won't really know how much is involved in something until you've been through it. And unless you go through it often, it's easy to be thrown for a loop when unexpected circumstances arise.

Most first-time buyers recognize that they are not familiar with all the ins and outs of a home purchase, and welcome any guidance. I've helped many clients by providing a written overview of the process, along with discussions of strategy, what-if scenarios, and answering plenty of questions which crop up along the way.

Many home buyers already have some experience with the process, having gone through it when purchasing their current home, but may not realize how much has changed in the intervening years. A refresher is often helpful, and there still may be many questions.

Yet other buyers have...

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Selling your home is always a major undertaking. When you need the funds from the sale in order to purchase your next home, though, the pressure certainly goes up a notch. Or two. If the thought of facing this scenario gives you the jitters, you're not alone. Most people consider moving one of the most stressful events in life, and with so many interdependent factors at play during a simultaneous sale and purchase, it's not hard to imagine what could go wrong. That's why having professional guidance is so important. I've experienced this situation with a number of clients over the years, and here's what I've learned:

FEAR HOLDS PEOPLE BACK

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If "BUY A HOUSE!" tops your list of New Year's resolutions, then you are probably aware of the fierce competition facing buyers today. Are you prepared to do what it takes to stick to that resolution? Here are 7 Dos and Don'ts to help you reach your goal.

• DO know your buying power. This starts by having an in-depth conversation with a lender to obtain your pre-approval. They should be aware of not only your current financial status, but also your history. The more they know, the better they can help you, so choosing the right person to work with is extremely important.

• DON'T buy anything major until after the keys are in your hand. The underwriters will watch for changes to your account bala...

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A new home in your price range hits the market, so you rush to see it immediately, well aware others will be doing the same. There's no doubt this is the place you've been looking for, so you make an offer the same day. Unfortunately, so do five other people who also loved it. Facing a host of competitors did not factor into your daydreams of a new home! What can you do?

First things first. Were you prepared for this situation, both financially and intellectually? Choosing the right lender is a key factor in a successful purchase, so you want to make sure you're comfortable with their level of experience and responsiveness. You should not be shopping for homes until you know your buying power and hav...

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I'm so excited about these two homes I just listed in Berrien County!

Let me tell you why.

3015 Portage Road, Niles MI 49120

This home is WONDERFUL! It's the kind of place when you enter it, you just want to sink right down into a chair and make yourself comfortable for the rest of the day. 
It was custom designed...a one-owner beauty. 

They didn't miss a detail: timeless finishes like oak hardwood floors, solid wood interior doors (no white plastic fake woodgrain here!), big windows for plenty of natural light, beautifully stained wood window frames, quartz counter tops, and so much closet/storage space it's almost shocking. 
This home has really been taken car...

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