If you would like further information, please email Robyn Zander at:
robyn@zanderproperties.com

Additional Resources:

Review our Glossary of Terms

Review our list of Recommended Internet Sites.

We aim to help make your home-buying process an exciting and rewarding experience. If you are just starting to look for your first home to buy, you will need to go through a basic checklist.

Foremost, know your reasons for buying a home. Most of the time owning your own home is a good investment of your well-earned money. But be sure you are ready and can comfortably afford to buy.

Budget Considerations:

First, figure out "How Much House You Can Afford." Your personal budget and financial history is the most important deciding factor of whether or not you are ready to buy your first home.

1. First take your Gross Income and deduct your Monthly Debt.
2. Next, choose a Mortgage Term (number of years to pay off loan—such as 30 year).
3. Decide how much money you want to put down. (% of sale price).
4. Closing cost percentag—Includes origination fees, discount points, and other closing costs. Average is 5% of sales price.
5. Monthly Taxes & Insurance—Includes property, hazard, flood, and mortgage insurance. Average is .25% of sale price.

Once you have your budget figured out and know your monthly spending habits, find out what your credit report says—make certain that there are no discrepancies or problems in your credit history.

Next find a reputable or familiar lender and familiarize yourself with the mortgage process and get pre-qualified for your home loan. We can help you learn about the different types of mortgages that are available and which one is right for you. You will want to investigate loan programs and rates to fit your financial profile.

Home Features:

Next, familiarize yourself with the various Types of Housing available: Single family, townhouse, and condo etc. (as well as foreclosures and fixer-uppers) in the town or neighborhood you want to live. Also know what Style (Tudor, Mediterranean, Ranch, etc.)

Also, know which features you want your new home to have: (Square footage, number of bedrooms/bathrooms, yard for children or pets, garage spaces, closet space, storage space (basement or attic), laundry room, heating and A/C (electric or gas) major appliances (electric or gas), fireplaces, close to schools, close to transportation, etc.) Use our Home Features Checklist to help. Rule out the homes that don't line up with your needs.

Neighborhood Features:

Know which features of your new neighborhood you want: (Public transportation, distance from work, shops and entertainment, quality of district schools
Parks and recreation, Police and Fire stations; low crime rate, Medical services/hospitals, type of community .)

Be sure to use all resources available in looking for homes: Friends, relatives, a good Real Estate Agent, newspaper advertisements. Also, drive around the neighborhoods that interest you to find houses that appeal to you. Locate any For Sale signs and stop at Open Houses, when you are able. Compare as many houses and resources as you can.

Financial Considerations:

Know your market before you bid: Your bid could be higher, lower, or equal to the asking price. Investigate houses that have been up for sale for a long time in an active market: the house may be either overpriced or have serious problems. (We usually can provide a house's sales history and the history of surrounding houses.)

When you find an acceptable house, write an offer. Ask us at Zander Properties how offers become contracts. We can help you negotiate your best deal after a full analysis on the property and figure out the best price range to start bidding. Especially, learn about home warranties and how they can protect your investment.

Ask us to estimate your closing costs: These affect the amount of total cash you'll need to complete the deal on your new home.