Deciding to Buy

Buying a home… there aren't many experiences that can be both happy and scary at the same time. However, you will find that the more you know, the easier it can be.

You are bound to have many questions. You may have questions about what you should be looking for in a home, a neighborhood, or even a lender. You may need to know what kind of financing is best for you and how to find it. You may even have questions about what you have to do in order to get ready for the final closing and settlement on the property. None of this is difficult, though most of it is unfamiliar to the average person. As Realty World agents, we can help you through the process – from beginning to end.

This is a road map or systematic tour of the entire process of buying a home. In a nutshell, you will learn what to do, how to do it, and when to do it.

You'll learn about special Realty World programs that are designed to make buying your home easier. We can answer all questions about these programs and clear up any confusion you may have about the home buying process. We want your experience to be an exciting and happy one and with a little planning and our help - it will be.

“Just sit back, relax, and leave the details to us!”

Debra and Steve Gillham

TO OWN OR NOT TO OWN

“Owning Your Own Home Has Financial and Emotional Advantages.”

Obviously, if you're reading this, you are thinking about buying a new home. If you're undecided, consider the many good reasons for owning your own home.

First, there are the financial advantages. Housing usually appreciates in value, and the fact of the matter is, real estate is about the only investment that almost never decreases in value.

Tax breaks? The interest payments on mortgage loans as well as home equity lines are two of the few interest deductions you still claim on your income tax return. Annual real estate taxes and many of the settlement or closing costs associated with your purchase, such as points or prepaid interest (more on those later) are also deductible.

Check out the IRS website about how buying a home affects your taxes here: http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=124364,00.html

You can use the equity you build as your home increases in value to borrow money for such things as a new car or even college tuition for your children. That equity could also be used as a down payment if and when you decide to buy another house.

Each situation varies from person to person, and you'll need to check with your tax advisor, but as a rule, a homeowner can anticipate the possibility of reduced income taxes. Typically, homeowners have more tax deductions to claim, such as interest payments… resulting in a lower tax burden. In addition, by filing the proper form (usually the W-4) less tax can be withheld from your paycheck and that can mean more take home pay.