COMMITTED TO YOUR NEEDS
As real estate professionals, we understand that buying a home is a major decision that can be filled with apprehension and concerns. Our job is to help you fine the right home that meets your needs and to make the home buying process efficient, stress-free and successful!

Your needs come first, our service pledge to you is:
~ We will communicate with you in a timely and efficient manner.
~ We will plan a home search based on your needs.
~ We will inform you of your choice of the various types of representation.
~ We will introduce you to properties and neighborhoods that meet your        
   requirements.
~ We will help you obtain financing you may need for a home purchase.
~ We will assist you in preparing a purchase offer on the property of your
   choice.
~ We will represent you in the transaction with the seller and the seller's real
   estate representative.
~ We will work to protect your interest throughout the transaction.
~ We will coordinate the closing of your transaction and will attend the
   closing with you.


How do I know if I'm ready to buy a home?
You can find out by asking yourself some questions:

• Do I have a steady source of income (usually a job)? Have I been employed on a regular basis for the last 2-3 years? Is my current income reliable?
• Do I have a good record of paying my bills?
• Do I have few outstanding long-term debts, like car payments?
• Do I have money saved for a down payment?
• Do I have the ability to pay a mortgage every month, plus additional costs?

If you can answer "yes" to these questions, you are probably ready to buy your own home.

How much do I need to know before I start searching?

Your home should fit the way you live, with spaces and features that appeal to the whole family. Before you begin looking at homes, make a list of your priorities:

• Location and size
• Should the house be close to certain schools? your job? to public transportation?
• How large should the house be?
• What type of lot do you prefer?
• What kinds of amenities are you looking for?

Establish a set of minimum requirements and a "wish list." Minimum requirements are things that a house must have for you to consider it, while a "wish list" covers things that you'd like to have but aren't essential.

What should I look for in a community?

Select a community that will allow you to best live your daily life. Many people choose communities based on schools. Do you want access to shopping and public transportation? Is access to local facilities like libraries and museums important to you? Or do you prefer the peace and quiet of a rural community? More than anything, you want a neighborhood where you feel comfortable in.

Is an older home better than a new one?

There isn't a definitive answer to this question. You should look at each home for its individual characteristics. Generally, older homes may be in more established neighborhoods, offer more ambiance, and have lower property tax rates. People who buy older homes, however, shouldn't mind maintaining their home and making some repairs. Newer homes tend to use more modern architecture and systems, are usually easier to maintain, and may be more energy-efficient. People who buy new homes often don't want to worry initially about upkeep and repairs.

What should I look for when walking through a home?

• Is there enough room for both the present and the future?
• Are there enough bedrooms and bathrooms?
• Is the house structurally sound?
• Do the mechanical systems and appliances work?
• Is the yard big enough?
• Do you like the floor plan?
• Will your furniture fit in the space? Is there enough storage space? (Bring a tape measure to better answer these questions)
• Does anything need to be repaired or replaced? Will the seller repair or replace the items?
• Imagine the house in good weather and bad, and in each season. Will you be happy with it year 'round?

How do I make an offer?

I will assist you in making an offer, which will include the following information:

• Complete legal description of the property
• Amount of earnest money
• Down payment and financing details
• Proposed move-in date
• Price you are offering
• Proposed closing date
• Length of time the offer is valid
• Details of the deal

Remember that a sale commitment depends on negotiating a satisfactory contract with the seller, not just making an offer.

Thank you for visiting our website!
Please don't hesitate to call our office if you have any questions or concerns regarding the purchase of a new home!

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About Mary Stephens
Buying or selling real estate in Alaska, you need to know that your Realtor is committed to your real estate needs.

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