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
5 Surprising Things That Don’t Affect Your Credit Score
There are some obvious things that can hurt a credit score: paying your bills late, using too much available credit in proportion to your income,...
Is a Second Mortgage a Good Idea?
If you need money for home improvements, tuition or another purpose, you might be able to secure funds through a second mortgage.How Does a Second...
Pros and Cons of Choosing a House in a Rural Area
Many people enjoy the convenience of living in a city or in the suburbs, with easy access to stores and entertainment and with neighbors nearby. For...
4 Tips for Picking the Right Neighborhood
Oh, the places you will goand the places you will want to avoid. Choosing the right neighborhood is as important as picking the right house. Your...
Pros and Cons of a 15-Year Mortgage
Coming up with the down payment on a home can be hard enough, and one way to make a home more affordable is to spread out the mortgage payments over...
What Homeowners Insurance Does and Doesn’t Cover
If you own a house, homeowners insurance is a necessity. A storm might damage your home, your belongings might be stolen, or someone might be...
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.