Educate Yourself

Additional Links: Educate Yourself | Get Pre-Qualified | Get Pre-Approved | Get Approved

Top 10 List of things to do before you buy your Home! Click on Each Link Below

1. Make sure buying a home makes sense for you

• Renting vs. Owning
• Down Payment Money
• Tax Benefits

2. Know your affordable price range

• What Home Can I Afford
• How much will my payment be
• Get Pre-Qualified
• Get Pre-Approved

3. Research communities

• Schools
• Public Transportation
• Restaurants
• Entertainment
• Community Events
• Park District Programs

4. Find a Mortgage

• Which type of loan is right for me?
• How do I find the best interest rate?
• What are the costs?
• Search MortgageTrader Rates/Trading Section

5. Research Properties

• Property Web Sites
• Realtors
• Newspapers
• For Sale By Owner Listings
• Auctions
• Tax Sales
• Foreclosures

6. Know How To Negotiate

• Contract Details
• Purchase Price
• Earnest Money
• Realtor Fees
• Lender Fees
• Attorney Fees
• Title Fees

7. Find an Attorney

• Contact Review
• Contract Re-Negotiations

8. Find A Home Inspector

• What Is An Inspector
• How is an inspector different from an appraisal
• Contract Re-Negotiations

9. Find an Insurance Agent

• Home Owners Insurance

10. Prepare Your Home For Sale

• Ten tips for increasing your sales price