Are you tired of paying rent?  Do you think that home ownership is out of reach?  Want to know where to start?  

I have researched and collaborated with one of my local and trusted lenders and created a First Time Home Buyers program that is working well for my new home buyers!  The home buying process can be over whelming and daunting at times.  You need find the right people to help you along the way!

I would like to share a few bits of advice from my research that may help you when you make that decision that homeownership is in your future.  Don't waste time browsing the Real Estate section of your Sunday paper or driving around all day looking for "For Sale" signs.  The first thing you need to do is contact and interview several different REALTORS.  Have a list of questions ready for them.  Any REALTOR that is worth a grain of salt will make time for the initial consultation.  Don't let a flashy car or pretty smile persuade your decision, base your decision on how they answer your questions and go with your gut feeling.

I have found several sites that will provide you with a list of questions to ask on your interview.  The first thing your potential REALTOR should be asking is if you have obtained pre-qualification from a lender.  If you haven't already done that, that should be your first step.  Ask your potential REALTOR for 3-4 contacts that they have worked with in the past.  Just like choosing your REALTOR through interviews, you should do the same with lender.  Find the one that best fits your needs, budget and that you feel comfortable with.  You may find along the way that a REALTOR will require you to use their preferred lender and/or attorney.  That is not true, because you are in the driver's seat.   

Once you have chosen YOUR preferred lender, then you can choose the REALTOR that fits your needs and you feel will provide you with the best possible service.  Always be open and honest about what you are looking for and never settle with what you're shown if you're not completely happy.  Buying a home is one of the biggest purchases you probably ever make in your life and you want to be certain that this is everything that you want within your budget.  

It is important that you lock the REALTOR of your choice in and sign an agency agreement with them.  If, at any time, you are not happy with the level of service they are providing for you, you can opt out of the contract and choose another REALTOR that better fits your needs.  However, if you do your research and ask the right questions, then your choice is probably the right one.  If you would like to receive a copy of the interview questions, I'd be happy to send it to you.