Andra Anteau - Real Estate Agent - Ann Arbor, Michigan

I find homes for buyers in their area of choice and price range. Making the transition into a new community is exciting, yet emotionally charged. You need a reliable Real Estate Professional who will guide you through the real estate process with intelligence and care. By educating you through each phase of buying process, you will feel confident that you have made a sound decision.

Buying a home requires the same steps involved in almost all non-impulse purchases. The major difference is the magnitude of the financial commitment. The sheer size of the transaction can create some anxiety or fear even for those of us who work full time in the real estate industry. Boiling it down to the basics, you have five steps to consider. It is highly recommended that each step be taken in order and receive careful thought and consideration.

Identify your needs
This is the step most people take as they realize their current housing situation is not meeting all of their requirements. When you are waiting to use the bathroom while your teenage daughter takes a 40-minute shower, you are experiencing "needs identification". Location can also be a major motivator and is certainly one of the factors that influence the market price of homes. Whatever reasons are motivating you to think about a new home, write them down. This will help you remain focused later on as you start looking at homes.
Evaluate your resources
This can be as simple as looking at the balance on your monthly bank statement or a complex financial analysis. It is recommended that you contact a mortgage lender or broker who can quickly and easily provide a "pre-qualification". This is an estimate of how much home you would be able to handle financially. A pre-qualification should take no more than a day and should be free. A "pre-approval" usually takes a little longer and you will likely have to committ for an application and credit report fee, but you will then know exactly where you stand. Any offer you make on a home will be more seriously considered if you are pre-approved. Remember that in most cases, real estate can be viewed as an appreciating asset. A home can provide value to its owner on three levels: joy of use, favorable tax considerations and long-term appreciation of the asset.
Develop your plan
Once you have identified what you want and how you think you might be able to pay for it you should make a plan including some specific actions. When is this event going to happen? If selling a current home is involved, is it in good condition to be marketed? Do you have a realtor, a mortgage lender, an insurance provider and an attorney on your team? This is a good place to do some research about community features and schools. One major change that has taken place in the electronic marketplace is the availability of information to help you make an informed decision. Take advantage of all the help that is available.
Review available homes
Let me help you shop around. First we'll look at the available listings, then we'll take a tour of homes that match your needs and budget. If you let the homes you look at determine what your requirements are you are dangerously close to an "impulse mistake". Trying to make your budget fit the home you want instead of finding a home that fits your budget is also likely. Pull out your list of requirements and make sure the homes you are considering meet needs.
Offers and negotiation
When you find that special home that feels perfect, it's time to act. By now you have a good working, or even personal, relationship with your realtor so all the paperwork and processes won't be so overwhelming. Write an offer that represents the value of the home to you and then try to take yourself out of the process from an emotional standpoint. The old adage "give it your best shot" is a good one to use here. If your offer is accepted you feel great. If the offer is rejected you should feel as though you gave it your best try. If the offer is countered, you may have to rethink the margin between your offer and the counter. Remember, a good negotiation should be a win-win situation for the two parties involved. If someone feels like they "lost", it can make for a very difficult closing.



website created by Works of Joy	For Buyers New! November Informed Home Buyer Newsletter I find homes for buyers in their area of choice and price range. Making the transition into a new community is exciting, yet emotionally charged. You need a reliable Real Estate Professional who will guide you through the real estate process with intelligence and care. By educating you through each phase of buying process, you will feel confident that you have made a sound decision. Process of Buying a Home Buying a home requires the same steps involved in almost all non-impulse purchases. The major difference is the magnitude of the financial commitment. The sheer size of the transaction can create some anxiety or fear even for those of us who work full time in the real estate industry. Boiling it down to the basics, you have five steps to consider. It is highly recommended that each step be taken in order and receive careful thought and consideration. Identify your needs This is the step most people take as they realize their current housing situation is not meeting all of their requirements. When you are waiting to use the bathroom while your teenage daughter takes a 40-minute shower, you are experiencing "needs identification". Location can also be a major motivator and is certainly one of the factors that influence the market price of homes. Whatever reasons are motivating you to think about a new home, write them down. This will help you remain focused later on as you start looking at homes. Evaluate your resources This can be as simple as looking at the balance on your monthly bank statement or a complex financial analysis. It is recommended that you contact a mortgage lender or broker who can quickly and easily provide a "pre-qualification". This is an estimate of how much home you would be able to handle financially. A pre-qualification should take no more than a day and should be free. A "pre-approval" usually takes a little longer and you will likely have to committ for an application and credit report fee, but you will then know exactly where you stand. Any offer you make on a home will be more seriously considered if you are pre-approved. Remember that in most cases, real estate can be viewed as an appreciating asset. A home can provide value to its owner on three levels: joy of use, favorable tax considerations and long-term appreciation of the asset. Develop your plan Once you have identified what you want and how you think you might be able to pay for it you should make a plan including some specific actions. When is this event going to happen? If selling a current home is involved, is it in good condition to be marketed? Do you have a realtor, a mortgage lender, an insurance provider and an attorney on your team? This is a good place to do some research about community features and schools. One major change that has taken place in the electronic marketplace is the availability of information to help you make an informed decision. Take advantage of all the help that is available. Review available homes Let me help you shop around. First we'll look at the available listings, then we'll take a tour of homes that match your needs and budget. If you let the homes you look at determine what your requirements are you are dangerously close to an "impulse mistake". Trying to make your budget fit the home you want instead of finding a home that fits your budget is also likely. Pull out your list of requirements and make sure the homes you are considering meet needs. Offers and negotiation When you find that special home that feels perfect, it's time to act. By now you have a good working, or even personal, relationship with your realtor so all the paperwork and processes won't be so overwhelming. Write an offer that represents the value of the home to you and then try to take yourself out of the process from an emotional standpoint. The old adage "give it your best shot" is a good one to use here. If your offer is accepted you feel great. If the offer is rejected you should feel as though you gave it your best try. If the offer is countered, you may have to rethink the margin between your offer and the counter. Remember, a good negotiation should be a win-win situation for the two parties involved. If someone feels like they "lost", it can make for a very difficult closing.	For Buyers Process of Buying a Home Glossary of terms Salary relocation guide

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