Did you know that your house payments could be lower than your rent?

With every rent check you write, you're helping to build equity in your landlord's property. That money should be going toward building equity in a home of your own. Today's interest rates are low enough that your house payment could be lower than your rent payment!

There are many advantages to owning a home, including:

• Security - There is a feeling of security that comes from owning a home and the knowledge that your investment in a home is a safeguard against inflation.
  
  
• Investment - Payments on your mortgage loan accumulate toward acquiring a major asset. Unlike rent payments, you own more and more and build equity with every monthly mortgage payment. The garden you plant, the improvements you make, all enhance your way of living as well as the value of your home and your net worth.
  
  
• Tax Advantage - Your real estate taxes and the interest on your mortgage are deductible from your income tax.
  
  
• Financial Independence - Most people start on the road to financial independence through home ownership. Your principal and interest payments remain the same for the full term of your mortgage while your rent usually goes up as the cost of living increases.
  
  
• Control - You are in control and the investment is yours, not your landlord's.
  
  
• Environment - Your children grow up in the neighborhood of your choice.
  
  
• Cash Equity - Better than a savings account, your home can appreciate to keep pace with inflation. The equity you build up in your home can be a source of cash through an equity line of credit.
  
  
• Satisfaction - Home ownership offers special advantages that make life more enjoyable - backyard barbecues, large family gatherings during holidays, a home workshop, a chance to enjoy your family's companionship in the privacy of your own home.

Nine Steps To Simplify Your Acquisition Of A New Home:

1. Find out how much home you can afford by getting pre-qualified for financing.
   
   
2. Get a snapshot of the current market through a preliminary property search.
   
   
3. Contact me for a personal consultation and to help you find a home that is perfect for your needs or call 586.709.5910.
   
   
4. Get pre-approved for financing.
   
   
5. Once you find the right property, the next step is to complete a purchase agreement prepared by me. When your offer has been accepted, I will work with you through to closing, step-by-step.
   
   
6. Have your new home inspected for a thorough report of its condition and required care. Then obtain homeowner's insurance to protect yourself against any unforeseen calamity. For a list of home inspectors and/or homeowner's insurance providers, ask me.
   
   
7. Notify your loan officer that you've found a property to begin the appraisal and underwriting process and lock in your interest rate. Your loan officer will send you a revised good faith estimate which indicates your monthly mortgage payment as well as your estimated cash needed for closing. I or your loan officer will notify you of the time and date you will close on your home and what documents you'll need at closing.
   
   
8. Change your mailing address, notify your phone company, utilities (don't forget water and sewer), moving company, post office, newspaper and magazines, friends and family. View my moving checklist. For a convenient directory of resources you'll need for your move and when you're in your new home, View for our Utility Directory to help make connections to your new home.
   
   
9. Pack and move into your dream home! Schedule your move or finding a moving company