Home Buyer Tip Sheet Benefits of Buying with Debra4homes Starting the Buying Process    Real estate professionals can help you determine your home purchase limitations. This is based on your saving reserves and your ability to borrow. Cash of course is still King, however remember to consider taxes, repairs and additional expenses in evaluation of your ability to afford a home. Provide your agent with information about your available savings, income and current debt or use one of the pre-qualification calculators available on the Internet. (Try quicken's analysis to see if your a good candidate). Your agent can direct you to an appropriate bank or mortgage company to "prequalify" you for a home mortgage. This information, will allow you to assess what price range of homes you can consider in your search. Additionally a prequalification places you in the a favorable position to purchase the home you want quickly. Sellers favor prequalified buyers. Select Property Wisely Research your area and location of interest, for example, check out these Seattle facts, be informed. Get help. Buying a home is a complicated process with many pitfalls. Use all resources available, your real estate professional should assemble information on properties suitable to your needs and can arrange a showing on all that are of interest. Agents have access to more information than you will. Be sure your real estate agent or broker has access to a computerized multiple listing service. A good agent will generate a portfolio of homes that meet your buying requirements. Your agent can also provide local community information on utilities, zoning and schools, for example.      Negotiating and Inspecting    Your agent's negotiation skill and experience with local inspectors and services in your area may be vital to the success of your purchase. Factors include financing, terms and conditions, date of possession, and repairs, furnishings or equipment can turn an exciting occasion into your worst nightmare. The purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase.   Once a negotiated agreement is documented, it's time to complete the evaluation of the property. This includes inspections Your agent assists you in finding qualified responsible professionals to do these investigations and provide you with written reports. You will also want to see a preliminary report on the title of the property. Title indicates ownership of property and can be legally jeopardized by the confusing status of past owners or rights of access.    Recommended Local Home Inspector : Jim Gallant - All Point Home Inspections Seattle: (206) 898-9000 Toll Free: (866) 871-1564 Email: info@allpointinspections.com Web: http://www.allpointinspections.com ASHI Candidate Member #210706 WSDA License# 63467 Taking Possession   Financing arrangements need to be confirmed before you can take possession of your home. The final step is the "closing" or "settlement" is when you take possession of your new property. A title company handles the process. Final legal documents are signed and payment is made through your lender. Call the movers. pack the cat and enjoy.  More Helpful Pages About This Site Build It How To Pages Energy Saving Tips FSBO Web Page 4 Sale By Owner Seasonal Pages E-Mail Debra Buyer Survey Seller Survey Realtors Only Comments Relocation Survey AddURL