Clint Wooley - EzineArticles.com Expert Author

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Why You Should Buy a Home Now
[Real-Estate:Buying] With home prices going down now in some markets, the question is beginning to surface more often, "Is now a good time to buy?. If there's any risk that it may go down in value, why, really should anyone buy a home instead of renting?"

Closing on Your Home
[Real-Estate:Buying] Possibly the most intimidating of real estate terminology, closings can cause anxiety in the minds of purchasers who have never experienced this event before. Closing simply refers to a time and date when all the legal documents required to complete a real estate transaction are signed, witnessed, and recorded in public records to make them legal. It also refers to the attorney or closing agent disbursing funds according to the contract.

Understanding the Mortgage Process
[Real-Estate:Buying] Once you find a lender you are comfortable with, you will begin the mortgage process by making an application with the lender. Obtaining a mortgage to purchase a home is a process, not an event, beginning with the application and ending with the closing.

Finding and Applying for a Mortgage
[Real-Estate:Buying] When it comes to buying a home, even veteran homebuyers often make the mistake of "putting the cart before the horse," by searching for a home without first finding the right mortgage and making sure that they can comfortably afford the homes they are viewing with the intention of purchasing. Finding and applying for a mortgage before searching and negotiating on a home will benefit you in several ways.

Making Offers and Negotiating
[Real-Estate:Buying] Once you have located a house that you want to purchase, your next step will be to have your Realtor prepare a written offer to purchase. Making an offer can be both exciting and frightening...there are always nagging doubts about whether you are making a good decision or not.

Reasons to Be Pre-Approved
[Real-Estate:Buying] As a first time home-buyer, you in all likelihood (unless you had a recent lottery win) will be obtaining financing in order to purchase your new home. Imagine how much more confidence you would have negotiating if you were paying cash for a home - if when asked how you were going to purchase, you could say "I'm just writing a check for the whole amount today." Being pre-approved may not get that kind of attention, but for most sellers and their agents, it is a comforting thing to hear.

Buyer's Market, Seller's Market? A Market in Transition
[Real-Estate:Buying] With a few exceptions, most of the nation is either in transition or has already made the transition from a sellers market to a buyers market. What this means exactly is that now may be the best time in years to purchase a first home. Because inventories are increasing in most markets, sellers are required to be more competitive than they were a short time ago. You, the buyer, are now in control!

Finding the Perfect Home - Does it Exist?
[Real-Estate:Buying] Ask almost anyone who has lived in their home for a number of years if they would change something about their home, and usually you will hear a list of things they would like to improve or change.

Questions to Ask Your Realtor
[Real-Estate:Buying] When searching for a Realtor, particularly an agent that will be representing you in a purchase as a first-time homebuyer, it is important that you feel comfortable with them, and be able to communicate well. But don’t make a decision necessarily on how much you like or “feel” good about the agent…that can be a costly mistake. Remember, this is the professional who you are trusting to locate homes meeting your desires and needs, and more importantly, who will be presenting offers and assisting you in negotiating for the largest investment you may ever make.