The home buying process is full of issues and potential issues. The vast majority of home sellers employ an agent that is dedicated to marketing home, for the best possible terms (price, time to close, lease-back options, home repair/clean-up issues,

An important first step is selecting a home buying professional to help you find your dream home and fine-tune your financial expectations. Working with a buyer agent is worth consideration because he or she is legally responsible for representing the buyer's interest in a real estate transaction. Before making a decision, however, have a REALTOR® explain the pros and cons of using a buyer agent versus a dual agent. Your RE/MAX Associate can guide you through every step of home buying.

There are several reasons for getting your potential financing in line before you start actively looking for a home. One of the top reasons is that you will know how to search for homes because how much you can afford to spend will greatly determine what homes are available for you to purchase. Going through the process of filling out a short loan application and getting an pre-approval letter from a respected mortgage lender also has a couple other benefits:

• Professional Buyer Agents will take you seriously as a client. If you will not take the process seriously, don’t expect a professional to take you seriously either. You are likely to not get their best service.

• It is the same story with home sellers and their agents. If you do not have a pre-approval letter, then they will not take your offer seriously–if they consider it, at

A difference of even half a percentage point can mean a considerable savings over the life of a loan. For example, the difference in the monthly payment on a $100,000 mortgage at 8 percent vs. 7.5 percent is about $35 per month. Over 30 years, that's $12,600.

The next step in home buying is to create a realistic idea of the property you'd like to buy. What features are most important to you? Make two lists: one of the items you can't live without and one of the features you would enjoy. Refine the lists as you house-hunt. It is also helpful to search online to see what is currently available on the market. Your real estate professional can then show you houses that meet your expectations.

Start by setting up a search in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). This is very similar to an internet search that you can do yourself, but is more detailed and up-to-date. Your Buyer Agent will have access to all of the information on the MLS including Seller’s Disclosures and additional comments that a selling agents put into the database for other agents to see. You can also have your agent (Austin Board Members) set up a private portal where you can mark the homes as favorites, possibilities, or rejects along with adding comments about the homes. This will help you and your agent sort through large numbers of possibilities and save you the time and frustration of physically driving to each home.

Now you're ready to visit houses. Ask your RE/MAX Associate to help in your home buying process by arranging showings. Be sure to keep track of the properties you've seen. Each time you venture out to see more properties, revisit your notes to immediately eliminate any that clearly do not meet your standards.

In some areas, a swimming pool actually detracts from a home's value and makes it harder to sell. In neighborhoods with two-car, attached garages, a single-car or detached garage may affect the home buying prospects and future value. Your RE/MAX professional can point out features that hurt or help resale value.

After touring each home, write down what you liked and didn't like. Develop a rating system that will help narrow the home buying field. For example, pick the house you like best on day one and compare all other houses to it. When you find a better one, use the new favorite as the standard. Avoid trying to track more than four top choices at any given time since this can quickly become overwhelming.



Use this link to go to the MLS search page now.

Once you've pinpointed your dream house, it's time to get serious about the financial and contractual side of the purchase. Let your RE/MAX Associate guide you through this sensitive home buying process. Because you and the seller have different goals, rely on your RE/MAX agent's experience and expertise to bring order and calm to the process - and help both parties reach a favorable outcome.

After your offer is accepted, set up a home inspection. It's common to find problems, including leaky roofs, cracked walls, insect infestations and foundation problems. Your real estate professional can help find a reputable inspector, and will negotiate to get you the most for your money once the inspector's report is final. If you negotiate repairs as part of the purchase, ask for a "walk through" before finalizing the home buying paperwork. Ask your real estate expert about home protection plans, which may save you money in the near future.

Before your closing date, make sure you've made all necessary deposits and completed the paperwork - including mortgage, title, homeowner's insurance and any other paperwork required by local or state governments when home buying. Your RE/MAX agent will be there to help you complete that closing checklist and avoid any last-minute snags. You deserve to enjoy every moment of the home buying process.

Before rolling out the welcome mat, consider some moving basics: arranging for an alarm company, turning on electricity, water and gas, cleaning or replacing the carpet, and notifying your local post office of your new address. The best time for renovations is often before you move in.