Buyer Advice
The following are common sense suggestions to help make the home buying experience convenient, efficient, as well as fun and exciting.

Put Pen to Paper - Make a specific list of what you are looking for in a home. What are your priorities? A big backyard for the kids? A huge master bedroom? A modern kitchen? Know what you want and go after it. Also, decide where you are willing to compromise and where you aren't. This will help at decision time.

Get Pre-approved for a Mortgage - Pre-approval lets the seller know you're serious. If you're pre-approved, you will be more likely to make a deal.

Don't Make Low Ball Offers - Sellers get turned off when buyers make very low offers. Make fair offers. Work with your licensed salesperson to come up with a strategy for the negotiations.

Look Past the Decor - It's easy to get turned off by a home that is poorly decorated or dirty. Use your imagination to picture a clean, well-decorated house - it could be your dream home.

Protect Yourself - Once you have your home under contract be sure to do the following:

• Get a home inspection
• Get a termite inspection
• Get a radon inspection
• Get an appraisal
• Get homeowner's insurance
• Get title insurance
• Get a survey.

These services can cost a few dollars, but it is important to protect one of the biggest investments of your life.

Relax and Have Fun (Don't Worry, Be Happy) - Home buying can be stressful. That's why it's important to have a game plan and stick to it. If you do, your stress level will be minimized and you can enjoy the journey.