Philadelphia & Suburbs Estate FAQs

Answering Your PA & NJ Home Buying Questions

Buying a home can be both exciting and scary, especially if you're a first-time home buyer. Both experienced home buyers and first-time buyers alike will benefit from the frequently asked questions below. Before you begin your PA or NJ home search, we recommend that you prepare yourself for the journey. There's a lot of steps in the home buying process to get familiar with to make a confident home buying decision.

Q - I've never purchased a home before.  Where should I begin?

A - Actually, you've already started the process. Fact-finding and reading articles is a great way to become a smart consumer. The highest priorities to focus on before you begin searching for specific areas, neighborhoods, or homes would be to:

• Familiarize yourself with your personal finances and review your budget. What can you afford?
• Learn about where you'd like to move in the Bucks County, Montgomery County, Delaware County, New Jersey and Philadelphia real estate market.
• Work on your credit and down payment for when the time comes to act and make your offer.

Your next step is to contact us. As your home buying specialists, we'll protect your interest and manage the details of the real estate transaction on your behalf to complete your purchase with the best possible experience and outcome.  For more experienced buyers, you already know the stress and hassle involved in buying a home and you know you'll need a really sharp real estate team to protect your interests too!

Q - With all the crazy headlines about mortgage rates, how do I avoid making a big mistake or how do I decide which type of loan to select?

A - After you call us, before we meet and review with your home buying needs, we'll recommend that you select a lender and get pre-approved. We can recommend trusted lending professionals we know or you can choose your own. Having upmost confidence in your lender is important. Be sure you feel completely at ease with them.  They should speak to you in easy to understand terms.  Ask lots of questions and never sign any document until you know what you are signing and feel completely at ease signing it. More and more lending professionals are recommending fixed interest rate loans and interest rates are still very attractive. Of course, the type of loan best for you depends on several factors. Here are just a few:

• How much money do you have for a down payment?
• How long do you plan to live in the home?
• Do you qualify for a FHA or VA loan?

Q - I heard buyers don't have to pay commission because Realtors work for buyers for free, is this true? 

A - Sorry, but no!  Before we even start looking at houses together we will need to make sure you know all the costs that may be involved in purchasing a home.  Commission is, and always has been, negotiable.  Our policy is to accept compensation offered by the seller as this offsets buyers' costs, however, buyers should be prepared in the case that is not an option.  We do not charge up-front fees, per-showing fees, or collect a retainer before working, nor do we bill you by the hour or mile. We do expect to a commission paid at settlement.  Before beginning your home-buying journey, we will both sign a buyer agency agreement spelling out our obligations to each other.  Our goal is your goal - a smooth and successful home purchase for you.  We'll be there to guide you through the entire process!   

Let's Get Started!

Are you ready to schedule your home buying consultation?  If so, contact us today and together we will review your needs and your budget to help you find the right Philadelphia & Suburban Bucks County, Montgomery County, Delaware County, and New Jersey home for you!