Often times families need to relocate due to work, health reasons, or pursuing their dreams of downsizing to be mortgage-free. There are many reasons why it might make sense for your family to move. It’s important that you understand the advantages and disadvantages of relocating to a new community.

This is something that lenders take very seriously. Your overall debt should not be more than 40% of your income, and your housing debt should not be more than 32%. What 32% of your income will buy depends on where you want to live. In rural or downtrodden areas for example, it can buy a very comfortable residence and ample acreage. In highly sought-after urban areas, however, it may not even buy a 400 square foot bachelor suite.

Sometimes the idea of buying a brand new home can be overwhelming. Sit down one evening and write a list of the top features that you need and want in a new home, and judge each home by the list instead of by details that could distract you from your goal. Ask yourself what you like and dislike about your current home this will often help your drum up some ideas that you want from your next purchase. When you’re alone with your agent, you can go over the pros and cons of each home. We can help you stay on track while still keeping our eyes out for a great property.

A home inspector will check for signs of harmful materials like asbestos, lead paint and mold. They’ll also check for evidence of pests, faulty wiring and leaks. This is a crucial part of the home purchase. Not getting an inspection done means that you could be stuck in a home with a bad case of black mold and no recourse other than to pay for its removal. Inspections will cost a few hundred dollars, but again, this is more than worth it in the end. There are several inspectors in the area that we’d be happy to recommend.