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Home Buyer Tools
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MLS Home Search
My Multiple Listing Service search looks directly at the
same database used by Realtors. You search for home features you want in the
cities or zip codes you are curious about. Each listing has detailed
information and pictures.
If you find a property of interest, use
the form at the bottom of the listing to alert me, and add your comments or
questions. |
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New Listings by E-mail
In addition to searching for properties through the MLS
Search, New Listings by E-Mail will alert you to new properties each day.
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Tips for Home Buyers
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Choosing a Location
Choosing the location for your new home
can be one of you most important decisions.
Check the
area schools for
academic performance, as this is a very important concern for home buyers
with children.
Look objectively at the neighborhood.
Do the neighbors maintain their homes and yards in a consistent way?
Does their level of maintenance meet your standards? Are homes being
upgraded, or do they look worn out? All these factors will influence
your satisfaction, and your home's resale value.
Access to major roads, freeways, and
shopping will reduce your travel time and generally give you more time for
more pleasurable activities. This access will be important for future
buyers.
Is the area relatively quiet, or does it
have traffic or industrial noise. Most people prefer quiet
environments. Generally, children at play are not considered a noise
problem! |
House Hunting Tips
When you look for a home, try to list the
general qualities you want in a home. These might be:
Its helpful to be general rather than
specific. For instance, a home may meet your requirements, but still not
have "room for a large kitchen table". Instead the need is met in another
way.
Your general requirements allow a wider
selection of homes that meet your needs and desires. |
The Best Possible Terms
When shopping for a home, be prepared to
offer the best possible terms to a buyer.
If you can, sell your present home before
making an offer on a new home. Even if you have not closed escrow, the
fact that you have a buyer is important to a seller.
Talk to a lender and secure a Letter of
Pre-Qualification. This letter states that you are able to borrow the
money necessary to purchase the home you want. This letter will go a
long way with a seller as they consider your price and terms.
Contact Countrywide Home Loans right now!
Make a clean offer that does not demand a
lot of work from the seller, unless you know they expect a list of
"to-do's". Sellers typically want to see their property "go away" with
as little hassle as possible. A clean offer at a lower price may be
accepted before a full price offer with a long list of issues. |
Borrowing Power
The power to borrow for a home is key to a
successful search and purchase. Lenders have many programs available
to suit a wide variety of buyer situations. In addition to 30 year
fixed interest rate loans, adjustable interest rate loans, graduated payment
loans, low-down payment, and government-backed loans are available.
JScott Carpenter can provide contact names
at lending institutions with favorable lending policies and a wide range of
financial products.
Your ability to borrow for home ownership
is based largely on your credit history. Before going to a lender, get
a credit report on yourself and/or your spouse, then correct or repair any
credit problems on the report. |
Home Warranty
Home warranties protect both the seller
and the buyer of a home. They are relatively inexpensive insurance
policies that provide payments to repair many of the fixtures and systems in
your home.
JScott recommends that every buyer
purchase a home warranty before close of escrow. |
Closing Costs
A title/escrow company can prepare an
estimate of closing costs for homes in a given price range. These
costs are typically split by the buyer and seller, and can be included as
part of your loan. |
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