| p> | | | | educated decision. |
| - Know yourself - what are you looking for? What are | | | | - Know your system - set up a system to compare |
| your needs? What type of home would fit your | | | | properties. Some use paper, some use excel sheets, |
| current stage of life? | | | | some use pictures and other visualizing means. |
| - Know your budget - meat your banker, do your math | | | | Whatever works for you is fine, but you must have a |
| and know exactly how much you can spend when | | | | system to compare the properties you see. |
| buying a house. You can use our "How much can I | | | | - Know it when you see it - if you find the house that |
| afford" calculator on our Calculators page. | | | | fits your needs and budget BUY IT! Don't wait to the |
| - Know your area - researching your area will help you | | | | next perfect home, it might not show up |
| narrow down the search area. Research the | | | | - Price is always negotiable - In today's market sellers |
| neighborhood, the school district, available parks and | | | | are motivated to sell. use that to your advantage and |
| amenities etc. | | | | bargain for the price! |
| - Know you monthly payments - after you buy a | | | | - Know the Market - interest rates are historically low, |
| house your monthly payments will not end with the | | | | use it to leverage your money. |
| mortgage. There are property taxes, HOA fees etc. | | | | - Know your Realtor - Why should I have a |
| Knowing them will help you do a more financially | | | | REALTOR by my side? |