Aloha,

Happy Monday! We all know that purchasing a home is one of the biggest investments we make in our lives. This experience can be very scary and also very rewarding all at the same time.  Here are some smart tips for all home buyers.

Check your credit score and pay down your debt. Don’t let a credit card debt affect how much you can borrow.

Find out how much you can afford. A lender or a Realtor will be able to assess your financial picture and let you know if you are being realistic about the price range you plan to buy in. They will also be able to give you a preliminary calculation of down payments and monthly payments on your loan.

Choose the mortgage product that works best for you.  Many companies offer a variety of loan products including, 15-year and 30-year conforming fixed rate, VA, FHA, owner/builder construction loans, and vacant land loans. Check with the company that best suits your needs for more information.

Take the time to learn more about the real estate market. Once you have an idea of what you can afford and have identified neighborhoods that would suit your personal needs and lifestyle, start attending open houses.

Find an experienced, qualified real estate agent. A good real estate agent will be able to supply you with guidance and market information you might not have access to on your own. They will be able to provide data on home values and price fluctuations in the neighborhoods you are targeting, as well as good buys that may currently be available. Some real estate agents will want you to get prequalified for a loan before you start looking.

Look at many homes before you make a choice. The home buying process is one that should not be rushed, so take your time. Once you find a home that you are serious about buying, consider hiring a home inspection service to check its condition, particularly if it’s an older home. A small investment in an inspection up front could help to avoid extra expenses for repair in the future.

Be sure to read all contracts and closing cost statements carefully. It is important to become familiar with your rights as a home buyer. Don’t assume you can’t negotiate closing costs when parties decide the final asking price of the home. You might be paying extra fees you could otherwise save by simply asking the sellers to include them in the home price.

When you are ready to buy  your perfect Maui Home please do not hesitate to contact me at 808-276-2004 or visit my website www.SoldOnMaui.Net to search the Maui MLS & check out New Listings and much more. Or e-mail me at trendi@maui.net and tell me what you’re looking for. I can help you turn your Maui dream into reality and make Maui a Lifestyle!

Aloha for Now!