Buy with confidence

There are several components to this question. First, what is your motivation for buying a home? If your family is growing and you need more space, then the answer is yes. Moving for practical reasons or because your lifestyle is changing makes sense. We are now in a sellers’ market. Inventory is low and prices are rising. But we are seeing the inventory of homes increasing and many economists forecast that price increases will slow down to a more “normal” market. Buying now also allows you to capture the appreciation that the housing market is experiencing. You must do what is right for your situation. But we have over 600 experienced brokers who can help. Contact us and we will be glad to put you in touch with one.

It is common to say that when you are renting you are paying your landlord's mortgage. One of the biggest positive aspects of buying a home is building equity. But there are good reasons to rent as well. If you don’t have a big enough down payment and will be cash strapped once you buy, it may be a better idea to wait and save more for your down payment. Renting gives you greater mobility and if there is a maintenance problem your landlord pays for it.

Closing costs typically range from 2% to 5% of the purchase price. These costs vary by county so it is best to talk to a Starck broker to get a more accurate estimate.

You can change your mind up to the point when all contingencies are removed. But changing your mind at the last minute is very stressful for everyone involved in the transaction. The best way to avoid this situation is to know the neighborhood and what type of home you want to purchase. If you find a home that meets your needs and desires you are more likely to want to follow through on the purchase.

The minimum FICO score to buy a home using a conventional loan is 620 and with a VA loan 580. However, before you decide not to buy talk to a loan officer. There are many types of loan programs and it is easier to qualify than you think.