Local Buying Tips

Whether you are a first time buyer or you've gone through the process a few times, here are some tips for buying a home.

1. SEE THE POTENTIAL: You may walk into a home and fall in love with everything about it, but know this is not always the case. You should be able to see potential in the home. You need to feel that this could be your home, whether it needs 1 adjustment or 10. However, if there isn't anything you love about the home, it may not be for you.

2. BUY WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD: Although your mortgage company may approve you to buy up to a certain amount, only purchase something you feel you can afford. The last thing you want to feel is "House Poor" after making such an exciting purchase.

3. USE YOUR CREDIT CARDS WISELY: Between the time you are approved for a mortgage and your closing, check with your mortgage company before making any large credit card purchases. The mortgage company may run your credit information in this time and large purchases may cause your debt to income ratio to increase.