1.) You neglect to check your credit prior to pre-qualification of a loan.
     -If there is a blemish on your credit that you do not know about it can severely harm your ability to get financing for a home. It's best to check your credit once a year regardless but if you have not, then be sure to check it beforehand so you can work out any discrepencies. Under"FACT" or Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act consumers are entitled to one free credit check from every 12 months from the 3 nationwide credit companies, Experian, Transunion and Equifax. Click here for your Your Free and secure Annual Credit Check

2.) Dont buy that new car just yet.
     -Making expensive purchases before officially closing on a home could make the bank take a second look at your ability to afford the monthly payments. Make sure the deal is closed before taking on another debt. Avoid large cash purchases as well since banks like to see a healthy reserve account.

3.) Revisit your budget to find out how much you can afford prior to speaking with a lender.
     -Finding out how much you can afford to pay a month puts you in the drivers seat when you first walk in to speak with a lender. The amount you can borrow can be far greater than the amount you truly can afford to pay each month. Lenders do not take into consideration variable expenses you may have a month such as groceries, entertainment, future upkeep on your new home, car repairs, as well as others. Now you may not even qualify for a payment that you can afford, however, it is better to know the MOST you can afford. Sit down, develop a budget and if you need help Anders Real Estate would love to work with you.

4.) You've found that perfect house, do you really need the added cost of a home inspection?
     -OF COURSE! An inspection by a qualified inspector is the most important part of getting the deal closed. An inspectors job is to discover flaws of a home and all homes will have a few. Some findings will be minor such as a dripping faucet where others could be an outdated heating system that could give out any minute. Agents are not trained into giving a full analysis on the condition of a house and not having a professional inspection takes away leverage you during the process.

5.) Be Patient and keep a level head.
     -Just because an inspector finds some issues, it does not mean the seller is required to have everything repaired and you can't make them repair it. There are things a seller must fix and depending on your type of loan other repairs fall into that category. Repairs are good bargaining tools that some things you can let slide and others may require more attention. You'll want to keep a level head during this process as it will make the seller more pleasant to work with and in the end it's better for all involved.

6.) Be prepared to make an offer and Earnest Deposit.
     -Houses can go quick and others do sit on the market for a while. When you find that house you've been looking for, be prepared to make an offer. Contracts are worked out with certain contigencies(within reason) to allow the freedom to make an offer and get out of the contract if certain conditions are not met. Offers are accompanied by a "Earnest Deposit". Earnest deposits are monies given by the buyer to be used in conjuction with an accepted offer to purchase. The money is kept safe and secure in a trust account. The higher the amount of earnest money deposited goes a long way in helping a seller make a decision if there are more offers on table. Also it helps the seller understand when a potential buyer is very serious about purchasing the home. We will be happy to explain all about Earnest Money to you so that you fully understand what is at stake.

7.) Remind your agent about a final Walk-through.
     -Final walkthroughs are VERY important. You want your new home to be in the condition or better as stated in the contract to purchase. Also you want to make sure other items are left/taken as stated. The worst thing will be to close on the house, get the keys, be excited about pulling into your new driveway only to realize the beautiful chandelier that sealed the deal for you is now gone. A final walk-through is crucial. Be sure one is a contigency of closing the deal and we hope you choose Anders Real Estate to represent you. If not, be sure that your agent requires a final walk-through, otherwise the agent is not looking after your best interests.