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What to Do Before You Start Looking for a Home
Now is a great time to consider buying a home in the Philadelphia. Whether youre relocating, purchasing a vacation house or looking to become a homeowner for the first time, there are certain things you need to do before you even begin to look for a new home. Doing your homework before plunging into the house hunt can save you valuable time and energy.
Set a time-frame. When do you want to move? When do you want to start looking for homes? If you are renting, when does your current lease expire? How long will it take you to save for a down-payment? It takes about 60-90 days to find a home and prepare for settlement. Get preapproved for a mortgage. Talk to the mortgage lender down-payment requirements, closing cost, and figure out an affordable monthly payment. Keep in mind that low down-payment options may be available and we can often negotiate for the seller to pay some or most of your closing cost. Determine what you can afford to spend. This may seem obvious, but its a step that can lead to disaster if overlooked, causing you to waste time with homes you cant afford, or sparking arguments with family ... more

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