Call us to schedule a buyer’s presentation.
Beth: 319-551-8692 | Katie: 319-327-7992
Home Buyers
Are you ready to buy a home?
We can help you decide.
The decision to purchase a home is a very personal one. You will need to consider several factors, including: your personal situation, financing costs, and the condition of the local real estate market.
These questions can help you determine if you’re ready to buy a home. With an Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) on our team, we can help you sort through these things and provide insight into the local market.
Purchasing Considerations
- If you purchase a home, how long do you expect to live there?
- What can you afford to pay each month for housing-related expenses?
- What are the total costs of homeownership?
- Mortgage payments (based on various interest rate and term assumptions)
- Property taxes
- Homeowner’s insurance
- Utilities
- Maintenance costs
- Any other special fees?
- Do you expect these housing-related expenses to increase or decrease? (changes in interest rates may be a bigger factor than others)
- What additional expenses are required to complete a purchase? (closing costs, moving expenses, etc.)
- How much will your homeownership costs decline after adjusting for interest expense deductions and property taxes (if applicable)?
- Are local market prices favorable to purchasing? What are your expectations on future prices?
Renting Considerations
- If you are now a renter, what are your total housing expenses? (monthly rent, utilities, housing assessment, parking, etc.?
- How does renting vs. buying factor into your long-term investing goals?
Other Factors
- What are your personal preferences regarding the type of housing you wish to live in? How does location factor into your housing preferences?
- How do you expect your personal situation to change, in terms of future housing needs?
- What are your expectations concerning future employment?
- What are your long-term personal and financial goals, with regard to housing?
Is a Buyer's Agent Right for You?
Click the image to download the current Home Buyers Guide
Visit our “Facts and Trends” page to see the archive of past issues.
Related Blog Posts
The Ultimate Deal-Breaker Checklist for Homebuyers
How many times have you heard the story about people who move into their dream home only to find out that theres a huge plumbing issue or noisy...
End of Summer Home Maintenance Checklist
Ahhh, summertime. Cookouts, nature hikes, pool games, outdoor markets, parades and concerts. Home maintenance may have taken a backseat to all this...
Pros and Cons of Choosing a House on a Cul-de-Sac
Many homebuyers choose to a purchase a house on a cul-de-sac just to avoid a busy street. However, there are pros and cons you should be aware of up...
The Difference Between Pre-Qualified and Pre-Approved
Many lenders pre-qualify or pre-approve mortgage applicants, which can help considerably in the buying process. While the terms are often used...
4 Steps to Win a Bidding War
From a buyer’s standpoint, getting into a bidding war for a house they want is never fun. They can offer more money than they ever planned to spend...
Is a Second Mortgage a Good Idea?
If you need money for home improvements, college tuition or another purpose, you might be able to secure funds with favorable terms through a second...
Search Homes for Sale
Are you looking for the home of your dreams? Search homes for sale in your area. Search by address, city, zip code, or the MLS #. Many listings also include video or 3D tours.