Buying a home is an exciting but often overwhelming experience, particularly if you are buying your first home. Our Team specializes in assisting first time home buyers. Let us help by providing you with a complimentary personal Buyers Counseling Session to discuss the complicated process of buying a home, or attend our monthly Seminar. Check our Buyers Seminar schedule. As Ann Arbor's leaders in Real Estate, we will guide you through the entire home buying process making sure the final contract includes your best possible terms and conditions. We can help you through the home buying process and assure that you find the right home for you, at the right price for you.

Every homebuyer has a number of concerns, all of which we can help you with:

Setting a Time Frame
There are a lot of variables in the home-buying process, which means the time it takes to find and buy your new home varies too. A typical home search process may take three to four months, including the mortgage approval process, comparing and evaluating properties, making an offer and the closing process. The loan process typically takes 30-45 days. 

The Lending Process
Perhaps one of the most intimidating aspects of buying a home is the mortgage approval process. We'll be here to help guide you through this, but there are many ways you can prepare early to make the process smoother. Start by making sure your budget is under control. Make a list of all your monthly expenses, compare it with your income, and see if adjustments need to be made. You should also try to pay off small credit card balances. Start gathering documents you may need, such as W-2 forms, income tax returns for the past few years, pay stubs, records of child support or alimony, bank statements for the past several months, and your credit report. Also, be sure to allow for closing costs. Allow us to suggest reputable lenders to compare loans and get the best deal.

Determining How Much You Can Afford
A general guideline to consider is that most buyers purchase a home that costs about one and a half to two and half times their current annual income. For example, someone earning $50,000 a year might purchase a home for $75,000 to $125,000. Mortgage payments should be about 26-28 percent of your gross monthly income. Existing debt is also considered in the mortgage process, and total debt payments (car payments, credit cards, student loans, etc.) should not exceed 40 percent of your gross monthly income.

Finding a Home That Meets Your Needs and Wants
Before you start looking at properties, make a list of "must-have" features along with optional features you'd like to have. "Must-have" features may include the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you'll need to accommodate your family, location (consider commute to work, which schools your children will attend, etc.), lot size and special needs (handicapped access, etc.). Optional features may include the architectural styling, bay windows, landscaping, etc. Having a clear idea of what you want in a home will help us find the perfect property for you.

Educating yourself about the home-buying process is key to getting a home you love and can afford. We are here to answer any questions you might have and guide you through this process. Buying your home is an important decision and investment. We work hard to provide YOU the very best counsel and service to make this process stress-free and fun.