BARRIE REAL ESTATE by GARY and CANDI GRANT - Experience the Dedication!

Mistake #1: Not knowing how much they can afford before they make an offer. The easiest way to avoid this mistake is to get pre-approved for a mortgage by a lender so you know in advance exactly how much you can afford. Most pre-approvals are free and it will give you a basis to make a more informed purchasing decision when you find the house you like.

Mistake #2: Not making a wish-list of what they need in a home before they look. Sometimes people will go to look at homes and fall in love with a house that doesn’t meet their long term needs. It’s best to make a list of all the things you want (and need) in a home before you go out and look. That way you have a list of requirements you can use to rate each home you see objectively.

Mistake #3: Not realizing that the wrong mortgage can cost thousands of dollars in needless interest and taxes. Check with your accountant before you make your final decision on which mortgage you are going to choose. Your accountant will be able to tell you what the long term effects will be on your income, your taxes and the equity you build in your home over time. Most people aren’t aware that with a standard 30 year mortgage they will be paying two and a half times the amount of the mortgage in payments. With some planning in advance and a simple strategy they can cut the amount of interest they pay dramatically and own their homes sooner.

Mistake #4: Not discovering hidden defects before they buy a home. One of the most expensive mistakes is also one of the easiest to avoid, by having a professional pre-purchase home inspection. Don’t get stuck with a money pit. The cost of a professional home inspection is usually a few hundred dollars, but the peace of mind it can give you and the expense you can avoid needlessly is in the thousands of dollars.

Mistake #5: Not knowing how much their credit can affect their ability to buy or refinance a home. Before you buy a home, many of the clouds on your credit history can be cleared up or even eliminated. Your mortgage professional can help you review and prepare your credit file in advance.

A Client Testimonial - Thank you for the professional manner in which you completed my sale for me. It showed something that seems to lack at every level today; that you are very professional in the way you do business. You met my every demand and you were there to guide and direct me in matters that the average home owner isn't familiar with. I would like to commend you on making a very stressful situation as least stressful as possible. Your comments on what to do and what not to do on home showings, I feel also contributed to the quick sale of my condominium. Thanks again and I would be happy to recommend your services to anyone. (Don)