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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?
Buying a Home Newsletter Spring 2024

Click the image to download the current Home Buyers Guide

Visit our “Facts and Trends” page to see the archive of past issues.

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