Beat everyone else to the best listings! But remember, there is more to buying a home than finding a house. You want a safe community, a convenient location, the right price and terms, up-to-date paperwork, a smooth settlement, and more. The key to any successful real estate transaction is knowledge, so let me help you get started by sharing this Home Buyer's Guide with you. Just click on the links for lots of helpful information.

PRE-PURCHASE PREPARATION Are You Ready to Buy? The answers to three questions will help you answer this. Three Simple Steps to Owning a Home Find out what to expect when you get together with your real estate agent. Check the Market Educate yourself about interest rates and housing trends before you get started. Who Looks Out for You? Understand Whom Agents Represent. Choosing Your Buyer's Agent What separates the best agents from average ones? FINDING A HOME CLUE Report - Frequently Asked Questions This could throw a wrench in your home purchase. Equal Opportunity - It's the Law Fair Housing laws apply to you. Learn more. Glossary of Real Estate Terms Understand the terminology used by real estate agents and mortgage lenders. Home Inspection Find out if there are any major defects in the home before you complete the purchase. Wants vs Needs A checklist to take along on your home search. New Home Fever Seven rules for buyers of new construction Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home Required reading for buyers of homes built before 1978. FINANCING Financing Calculators Do-it-yourself financing calculators offered by Freddie Mac will help you with your preliminary homebuyering research. How Much House Can You Afford? Three primary factors impact the answer to this question. Understanding Your Credit Score How does a lender evaluate your credit? Pre-Approval vs Pre-Qualification It is important to understand the difference. Loan Application Learn what to expect and what you will need for your loan application. Selecting Your Mortgage With so many options, how do you choose the right loan for you and your family? Fixed Rate Mortgage Your principle and interest payment will never change with a fixed rate mortgage. Adjustable Rate Mortgages Explanations for terms affecting your ARM: Adjustment Period, Cap, Index, Margin, Number System. Balloon Mortgages Balloon mortgages have some characteristics of adjustable rate and fixed rate loans. Appraisals Find out how an appraisal might affect your home purchase. COMPLETING YOUR PURCHASE Packing for Your Move Be sure to review these tips before you begin packing for your move. Settlement A lot of investigation and preparation goes into settlement to assure a smooth transaction for you. Why Title Insurance? What is title insurance, and why should you buy an optional Owner's insurance policy? Buyer's Moving Checklist Don't overlook any detail as you prepare for your move. Moving With Kids Children require "special handling" when you move from one home to another. Moving With Pets Hints for helping your pets make a smooth transition to their new home. MORE INFORMATION FOR HOME BUYERS Past Clients' Home-Buying Results The goals and results of some previous home buyers who chose Margaret as their Buyer's Agent. REALTOR Code of Ethics The Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the National Association of REALTORS, effective January 2007 Kid's Coloring Page When you talk to your small children about moving, print out this page for them to color.