Don't Make these Mistakes When Buying a Home!

Here are a few things, particularly as first time buyers, that you want to consider in order to make good decisions....

1. Get prequalified before starting your search. There is nothing worse than falling in love with a home or an area that you can't afford. Take into consideration your comfort level with your monthly payment and adjust from there. Remember to add in insurance, taxes, homeowners association dues.

2. Once you are under contract, be sure to get a home inspection. It's worth the money you will spend many times over and could keep you from buying a "lemon" of a home.

3. Use a Real Estate agent who will work for YOU. A Buyer's agent is your best bet. In Texas, for instance, all agents work for the seller unless you form a buyers relationship with them. If you call a listing agent for information about a property or to show you a property, they do not have your best interests at heart- they work for the seller!

4. Choosing a Real Estate agent who is not committed to forming a strong business

5. Be flexible in your home search options/location. You could miss out some great homes if you aren't a little flexible. Trust your Real Estate Agent to assist you in the process.

6. Think about long-term goals. Will you be staying in this house for a long time? Planning a family? Will you have a family member come and live with you at some point? Do you want this to be your last home? Consider a one story or a home where the master is on the first floor - it's much easier to stay in a home with no stairs.

8. Get a home protection plan. Most of time it can be added to the purchase contract and the Seller will pay for it. Ask for it! This will at least give you some peace of mind regarding potential repairs for the first year you own your home, all for a small service call charge per incident.

9. If Schools are important to you, do your homework. Your agent can help point you in the right direction.

10. Relax and enjoy the process. Trust your instincts and make use of your Real Estate agent's experience and knowledge.

Go to our website at www.ParagonPropertyGroup.com to search for homes and to get more are and real estate information for the Austin, Lake Travis and Highland Lakes area.

Get Your Credit Score in Order before Applying for a Loan

This is a great article and may help you have an easier time of getting a home loan.

For Your Clients: Get Credit Score in Order Before Applying for Credit

Thinking of buying or selling a home? Give us a call or send us an email.

Brooke LeMond - 512-284-0799 brooke@brookelemond.com

Check Out Our Website for more great information about home buying or selling.

Sue Ellett, Broker-Associate
Paragon Property Group
Coldwell Banker United Realtors

Austin/Lake Travis and the Highland Lakes

Cash Back At Closing - Home & Move Plus Program

Thinking of purchasing or selling a home in the Greater Austin or Highland Lakes areas (Marble Falls, Horseshoe Bay, Lake LBJ, Burnet...)?

We may be able to offer you CASH BACK at closing whether you are
BUYING OR SELLING.

First Responders, Medical Personnel, Educators
and
Military & Former Military

may be eligible for this CASH BACK program. Contact us to find out if can participate.

If you are looking in other areas, let us know and we'll be happy to refer you to an agent in that area and be sure you receive a FREE Relocation Package. Many programs are available in other locations too.

Special Loan Programs may be available also.

Also, First Time Homebuyers - USDA Loans (100% financing) and BOND 77 Downpayment Assistance may be available as well.

Email Sue@elletts.net or call 866-693-7741 for more information on how you can benefit and receive CASH BACK or a great loan when you are Buying or Selling a Home. (Cash back is paid to buyer or seller after closing)

Visit our Website for more information.

Bank of America halts foreclosures

Bank of America Corp. is placing a moratorium on all foreclosure proceedings and sales across the U.S. amid political pressure on U.S. banks to examine foreclosure-documentation problems.

The nation's largest bank by assets is the first financial institution to stop all foreclosure actions amid revelations that the banking industry had used "robo-signers," people who sign hundreds of documents a day without reviewing their contents, when foreclosing on homes. Bank of America, J.P. Morgan Chase Co. and Ally Financial Inc. last week postponed foreclosures in 23 states where a court's approval is required to foreclosure on a home.

The decision by Bank of America to extend its postponement to all 50 states takes effect Saturday. The bank doesn't intend to lift the moratorium until its assessment of all documentation is complete, a spokesman said.

On Thursday, Rep. Edolphus Towns (D., N.Y.), chairman of the House oversight committee, became the latest lawmaker to call for a nationwide moratorium on foreclosures.

Bank of America Chief Executive Officer Brian Moynihan plans to be in Washington, D.C., Friday for an appearance before the National Press Club, but a person close to him said he isn't expected to discuss the moratorium decision.

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-Where the Smart Folks Live

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-Where the Smart Folks Live

Austin makes the list!

Deals for Home Buyer from Fannie/Freddie - Foreclosures

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-Fannie, Freddie Offering Hard-to-Beat Deals

Thinking of buying your first home - there are some great deals in the Austin and Highland lakes areas

Give us a call....

Paragon Property Group
Coldwell Banker United Realtors
866-693-7741