Resources for Single Homebuyers: 10 Steps to Home Ownership

10 Steps to Home Ownership

1. Consider advantages & disadvantages:
Do you really want to own a home?
2. Consider the market conditions:
Is this the right time for you?
3. Assess your credit standing:
Do you need to repair or improve?
4. Assess your finances:
Do you have cash for a downpayment, closing costs, etc?
5. Create a budget:
What monthly payment can you afford?
6. Contact a lender:
What amount of loan do you qualify for?
7. Compile your wish list of home features:
Prioritize wants vs. needs
8. Interview & choose an agent
How do you find the right agent for you?
9. Search for a home
How do you find the right home for you?
10. Make an offer and close the sale

Visit my Prudential website for more Resources for Single Homebuyers. Click the "Single Homebuyers" tab at the top of the home page.

Resources for Single Homebuyers: Home Security Tips

Home security covers a broad scope of topics from door locks to smoke alarms to neighborhood watch programs.

The time to begin assessing the safety of any home is before you buy it. Once you find a house you like and want to purchase, take the time to visit the local police station to research local crime statistics and see if they meet your expectations. You may find that the actual crime rate in any given neighborhood may be significantly higher or lower than its reputation would lead you to believe.

Once you move into your new home, be sure to either re-key or change all the locks. Otherwise, it is impossible to who among all past occupants, neighbors, landlords, etc. might have a key to your home.

Here are some other websites with helpful tips:

Home Safety Council:
http://homesafetycouncil.org/mysafehome/index.aspx

Crime Doctor Advice:
Home Security/Burglary Prevention
http://www.crimedoctor.com/home-security.htm

Last call for $8K tax credit!

Most industry experts agree that this will likely be the last weekend for first-time homebuyers to find a home and qualify for the tax credit that ends on Nov. 30th.

I still have time available to assist ONE more buyer, but it's first come, first served, so call me NOW! 206-708-9800.

There's still time to claim the $8K tax credit

...but not much!

There are still agents (me, for one!) and lenders (David Todd, of NW Mortgage Alliance is my preferred lender) who can help you find a good home to purchase in time to qualify for the $8,000 tax credit offered by the federal government for first-time home owners. Of course, we can't guarantee that you will be able to beat the Nov. 30 deadline, but if you have been pre-approved for a home loan, and can devote this weekend to an intensive search, the odds are still in your favor.

Call me now for details and to make an appointment to tour homes this weekend. I have time available to assist just ONE more buyer. First come, first served. 206-708-9800.

Open House today

Looking for something cheap and fun to do this afternoon? Come visit me at my Open House from 1-4 in the Fauntleley Hills neighborhood of West Seattle, 9114 4oth Av SW. This is an estate property -- a solidly built, mid-century brick rambler with a full daylight basement. The property has been well maintained over the years, but not updated cosmetically, so it is somewhat of a blank slate for your creative touches. Now priced at $489,950. MLS #29134236

As usual, I will be giving away coupons for a free ice cream cone at the fabulous Husky Deli.