Getting Started: Buying a Home
Getting Started: Buying a Home
Buying a home is often described as the "American Dream." It speaks to something fundamental in our history and culture as Americans. At its best, owning a home represents the ultimate in freedom, liberty,and independence.
Of course in the past few years, these dreams have too often turned to nightmares. Yet despite the uncertainty, in many ways now is a great time to buy a home. But the process must be approached realistically and methodically with professional guidance.
Ready to start? Follow CCAR's simple, three-step guide:
- Determine how much house you can afford using our mortgage calculator.
- Start looking for a home! Get familiar with the market and the inventory. Finding and visiting open homes is also a great way to a successful hunt for a new home. Finally, our demographics tool is a priceless asset to have when trying to decide where to live.
- And finally, consult a qualified professional! Not all real estate agents are REALTORS®.REALTORS® have to meet established standards for education, knowledge and ethical practices. They have a proven track record of providing ethical, valuable guidance that can save you significant money on your home purchase, or earn you significantly more on the sale of a home. Importantly, REALTORS® are regulated and audited by the real estate association in their areas of operation.
The National Association of REALTORS® maintains a website devoted solely to the benefits of home ownership: houselogic.com
Source: Wall Street Journal
