Buying Before Selling: The main advantage is securing a new home before selling your current one, alleviating the pressure to find a new place quickly. However, this approach can lead to disappointment. If you need to sell your current home to finance the new purchase, your offer will likely be contingent on this sale. If your home doesn't sell quickly, you risk losing the new property to a buyer without such contingencies.

Selling Before Buying: Selling first eliminates the contingency of selling your current home when making an offer on a new one, potentially strengthening your negotiating position. The downside is the unpredictability of the selling timeline and the risk of not having a place to live immediately after the sale. To mitigate this, a "rent-back" agreement can be negotiated, allowing you to stay in your current home for a set period after the sale by paying the new owner's mortgage, giving you more time to find a new home.

Buying a home historically is always a solid investment. Especially when you use a team that has good connections to lenders who offer creative and effective financing options. Often, it can be more cost-effective to pay a mortgage than rent under these conditions. However, deciding to buy a home requires careful consideration. Key factors include how long you plan to stay in the home; if it's only a year or so, renting might be the better choice. Additionally, consider if you're prepared for the responsibilities of home ownership, like general maintenance. Renting could be preferable depending on your circumstances and readiness for these commitments.

Yes, it's highly recommended to consult with a bank and get pre-approved before house hunting. This helps you understand your budget, avoiding homes outside your price range. It's especially beneficial for first-time buyers, as they can learn about various state and county-specific programs. Additionally, a bank can clarify the costs involved in home buying, including the differences between down payments, pre-paid items, and escrows. Mortgage professionals offer valuable advice on financing options and negotiating seller contributions towards closing costs.

The question of how many homes you should view before buying doesn't have a specific answer; it varies for each individual. Whether you find the right home on your first visit or after viewing 25 properties, there's no right or wrong number. Trust your instincts and don't worry about the number of homes you need to see before making your decision, we will be there with you every step of the way.

An earnest money deposit, often called a good faith deposit, is made by a buyer to the seller's real estate company and held in an escrow account. This deposit demonstrates the buyer's seriousness about purchasing the home and is deducted from the final amount paid at closing. Generally, a larger deposit makes a purchase offer appear stronger to a seller.

Absolutely! It's highly recommended to have a Realtor when buying a home, as they represent your best interests. Not all Realtors are the same, so it's important to properly interview and choose a buyer's agent. Attempting to buy a home without a Realtor can complicate the process. Always use your own Realtor rather than contacting the listing agent directly, to avoid conflicts of interest and ensure your needs are prioritized.