Buy a Home with Us
Buy A Home
We Make It Easy
Fill out the form below to get started buying a home. Be descriptive about what you are looking for so we are prepared for our first conversation.
Informed on Options
Some of the best deals never even make it to the MLS.
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A buyer’s agent will represent your best interests when negotiating terms
Our Team of Real Estate Agents
Designated Realtors®
When we represent a buyer or seller we do it as a team. You are not working with one agent but a team of top performing agents. This includes all of the support staff that helps us execute on your dream home with precision and speed.
Chad Tiedemann
Listing/Buying Agent/Realtor
Doug Junge
Listing/Buyer Agent
Amy Arrington
Listing/Buyer Agent
Mike Graf
Broker/Owner Listing Agent
Frequently Asked Questions
We have Answers!
If you are interested in buying your first home, don’t allow myths to discourage you from trying.
With home prices increasing, it’s a little more difficult for first-time homeowner simply based on price. However,
with so many options available, that doesn’t mean you can’t qualify for a mortgage loan. You just need to know
what to plan for and what questions to ask.
Studies show that many potential homeowners believe they can’t buy a house when, in fact, a strong
possibility exists that they can. Close to 15% of people living in the United States state they would like to buy
a home within the next few years but believe that it’s impossible from a financial perspective. Another 10%
state they can afford a home but for other reasons, probably won’t buy for a while.
Here are some myths:
• In order to qualify for a house, you need 20% down
• Lenders are required by law to provide you with the best possible rate for your loan
• You can’t qualify for a house if you’ve been with your current employer less than five years
• Your credit must be perfect
• Mortgage interest is not tax deductible
These are just myths. Now for the truth:
• More and more innovative mortgage packages are being created, offering the borrowers options
between 3% and 5% down. Some lenders offer zero down, if you have excellent credit. For first-time
buyers, it’s in your best interest to do some serious comparison-shopping.
• Every lender works with its own rates, based on their standards as well as the type of loan being
considered. Rates change every day, so once you’ve made the decision to buy a house, check rates
with more than one lender, and check on a daily basis.
• Job stability is important, but the five-year rule is merely a myth. For example, if you have worked in
public relations or some other industry for 10 years but have had three jobs in that time, because
you’ve stayed within the same business, lenders will often consider this as continuous employment,
especially if you’ve made advancements. In addition, solid credit and a larger down payment can
compensate for work history in some instances.
• It’s true that credit is very important when qualifying for any loan. However, if you have been out of a
bankruptcy for two years and can provide a good letter of explanation to the lender, it will usually be
accepted. If your credit is in bad shape, consider a credit counseling service to help you get back on
track. Generally, this can be done in as little as 12 to 18 months.
• As you make financial comparisons between renting versus owning, be sure to consider tax
deductions. When you buy a home, the closing costs, mortgage interest, and points are all tax
deductible.
The wisest moves a first-time homebuyer can make are conduct research and ask questions. Purchasing a
house is never easy for anyone. However, interest rates are currently lower than they’ve been since the
1960’s, so if you can buy a house, this is probably a great time.
As a first-time homeowner, there are many questions you’ll want to ask. It’s easy to focus on the size of the
rooms, the structure, and the lot, but there are other factors to consider – things you need every day to live.
Here are some examples:
• Public transportation – If you depend on public transportation, check available options.
• Aging parents – More and more families are taking care of elderly parents; therefore, you should think
about special needs your parents might have as you look at houses.
• Public safety – What is the crime rate in the area? How close are public services such as police, fire,
and hospital?
• Parking – Will there be any issues with parking? If the house you’re interested in doesn’t have a
garage, does ample off-street parking exist?
• Utilities – This is an important finance to review. Usually the seller can provide copies of the past few
months, providing an idea of budget costs.
• New communities – If the area you want is in an entirely new community, what recreational amenities
are offered? Is there a clubhouse? Pool? Playground? Exercise facilities?
• Property taxes – Some tax rules provide special benefits for veterans, elderly citizens, and even longtime
residents. You should inquire what these benefits are and whom they cover.
When you get to the point of being serious about buying a house, follow these steps to make the qualifying
and purchase process as easy as possible:
• Establish good credit habits and clean up any unfavorable reports
• Start saving for down payment, closing costs, and any hidden expenses. Don’t forget about utilities,
moving expenses, and items needed for the home.
• Research and read. Go to your local library and educate yourself about financial management and
home buying.
• Start looking at various areas where you might be interested in living. Visit some open houses and do
some comparison-shopping.
• Meet with a reputable real estate agent and start the preliminary process.
Remember, there is no reason to be afraid or intimidated when it comes to buying a house. The main concern
expressed by young couples is that they aren’t sure where to begin. There is also the fear of rejection, when in
reality: their credit situation isn’t as bad as they believe.
Home buying has become increasingly easier thanks to the Internet. Years ago, people hated the one-on-one
approach of determining if they qualified for a loan. The Internet has made it much easier where people to
check out various lenders, obtain information, and be notified online as to whether or not they qualify.
In addition, mortgage advice is readily available. Whatever questions you have can easily be asked from the
privacy of your own home. Responses are accurate, thorough, and always confidential.
It can typically take 30 to 45 days to close.
In pre-qualification, you are given an estimate of what you may be able to borrow. This is a quick way to know what price range you should be looking in. Pre-approval means a financial institution has agreed to work with you and has taken a thorough look through your finances.
Most sellers like to make all minor repairs before going on the market in order to seek a higher sales price. In addition, nearly all purchase contracts include a buyer contingency “inspection clause,” which allows a buyer to back out if numerous defects are found. Once the problems are noted, buyers can attempt to negotiate repairs or a lower price.