Buying a home can be complicated. That is why your Long & Foster agent has been trained in all aspects of real estate transactions. Here are a few answers to questions you may have as you begin to consider purchasing a new home:

What do I need to know about the benefits of owning a home?

• What do people mean when they say home ownership is the key
  to financial security?
• What are some of the tax advantages of owning a home?
• Is it true my paycheck will get bigger when I buy a home?
• What price home can I afford?

What should I know before starting my search for a new home?

• What's the best way to know what kind of home is right for me?
• What's the most efficient way to know what's on the market?
• What should I look for in a neighborhood?
• What features make one home style different from another?
• How do I evaluate a resale home?
• What can I expect from a professional home inspection?
• What's the secret in making a good condominium buy?

• What is in a sales contract?
• How do I make an offer on a home and negotiate with a seller?
• What does buyer's representation mean and why is it important?

How do I get home financing and what should I know about it

• How do I shop for a mortgage?
• What are the basic types of loans I should know about?
• What information will be needed on a loan application?
• Should I shop for a loan before or after I find a place to buy?
• What will the lender ask when I apply for my loan?
• What is the Fair Credit Reporting Act pertaining to my Credit History?
• How much down payment should I make?
• What are the best sources of cash for a down payment?
• What does the lender do to approve my loan?
• How long does it take to get a mortgage approved, and can
  I do anything to speed up the process?
• What kind of homeowner's insurance should I carry?
• What are "closing costs," and how much should I expect to pay?
• What happens at settlement?