Thursday, April 06, 2006

Preparing for Home Ownership

Deceide how much home you can afford. Generally, you can afford a home equal in value to 2 and 3 times your gross salary.

Develop a wish list of what you'd likeyour home to have and then prioritize the features.

Select three or four neighborhoods you'd like to live in. Considering schools, safety and expansion plans.

Determine if you have enough saved to cover your downpayment and closing costs.

Get your credit in order. Obtain a copy of your credit report.

Determine how large a mortgage you can qualify for.

Organize all the documentation a lender will need to preapprove you.

Do research to determine if you qualify for any special mortgage or downpayment assistance programs.

Calculate the costs of homeownership, including property taxes, insurance, maintenance and any association fees.

Find an experienced Realtor who can help you thgough the process.

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