Buyer's Guide

When buying a home, it is crucial to prepare financially by considering several key factors. Start by checking and improving your credit score, which significantly impacts mortgage approval and interest rates. Assess your financial situation to determine affordability, considering both the down payment—ideally 20% of the purchase price—and ongoing monthly mortgage payments. Research different mortgage options, including fixed-rate, adjustable-rate, FHA, VA, and conventional loans, and seek pre-approval from lenders. Additionally, estimate and save for closing costs, typically 2-5% of the home's purchase price, and maintain an emergency fund with 3-6 months of living expenses to cover unexpected costs.

Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you may ever make. Whether you’re buying your first home, relocating or just moving down the street — you want a trusted professional by your side. Working with a qualified RE/MAX agent can make this process easier, helping guide you through the home search, purchase agreements, inspections, closing matters and more. Having an agent who has your best interests at heart can ease some of your stress and can help make it go as smoothly as possible.

Once you find a home you’re interested in, your agent can help negotiate a fair offer based on comparable homes in the area. If your offer is accepted, you’ll make a down payment and be officially under contract. During the due-diligence period between signing the purchase agreement and closing on your home, your agent can help you understand the conditions, provisions, and obligations of your contract. They can also help guide you through the appraisal and inspection processes.