Whatever your reasons for buying, know that finding the right home, in the perfect neighborhood and at a cost that is within your budget, is no small task. That's why many buyers enlist the help of Larry & Ramona's home selling team of specialists.

We are licensed professionals with specialized skills. There are many benefits you receive from working with us.

As your Sutton Group Lifestyle agents we know the local market and can quickly narrow down a few areas where you are likely to find your home at the price you want. We can save you time by doing a lot of the legwork. By knowing your needs, we can eliminate homes that do not meet your criteria. We will make appointments, preview homes with you and help you determine the pros and cons of each home.

We have access to the multiple listing service (MLS), a service that provides access to thousands of homes for sale. We can provide information and make appointments to see almost any property listed for sale. A home does not have to be listed by a Sutton Group Lifestyle agent in order to get detailed information or an appointment to view.

Once you find the home you want to buy, we will guide you through the negotiation, legalities and details of purchasing a home.

HOW MUCH HOME CAN I AFFORD?
Before you start looking at homes, it's a good idea to find a target price range that you can afford. A mortgage lender will want to make sure you can qualify for the down payment, plus a monthly mortgage payment made up of principal, interest, taxes and insurance (PITI).

Interest rates and your personal finances will influence the amount of house you can afford. It's always good to talk to a lender before you start shopping for a home. We can refer you to lenders suited to your specific financial needs.

BEGINNING THE PROCESS
Organization is the key to finding the home you want while spending the least amount of time and energy.

Find out how much house you can afford. Do this before you go house hunting. We can refer you to a loan officer who can help you determine how much of a downpayment you can afford, along with a monthly payment you qualify for.

Make a list of everything you want in a home. Is a master suite important? How many bathrooms? What about closet space? Do you need a yard for the kids and pets to play in? How about a fireplace or a bay window? Do you prefer a rambler or multiple storey house? Are schools or access to transportation important?

Separate the essentials from the items you could do without and put them on the "A" list. Prioritize the rest of the items into a second and third list in order of importance. We'll then go over the list so that we're very clear on what you want and need in your home.

Keep good notes as we look at homes. After a while, it becomes difficult to remember which features belong to what home.

When selecting a home, look beyond cosmetics. Make sure the home is in good physical condition and that you understand the cost of repairs.

Look at additional homes, even if you love the first one you see. Many times, it takes looking at several homes before you find the one that is really right for you.

As your Sutton Group agents we will check with you regularly, even if you haven't found a house that suits your needs. Keeping in contact with you allows us to establish a good rapport, thus helping you effectively. We will continue to be on the lookout for homes that suit your needs.

SOME MORE HELPFUL BUYING TIPS

• If you have to resell soon, don't buy an unusual home.
• Even if the quality of a school district doesn't matter to you now, remember it might someday to another buyer.


• Expect lower maintenance costs with a brand-new home.


• Never tell a sellers broker how much you'll raise your offer for a particular house.


• When interest rates are low opt for a fixed mortgage.


• Pay attention to floor plans. Changing layouts of rooms later, can be costly.


• You can deduct on that years tax return points paid by either party on the purchase of your own residence.


• If the present owner has a title insurance policy less than 3 years old, you could have substantial savings by buying a reissue of that policy rather than a completely new one.


• Pay attention to the original listing date of the homes you inspect; Sellers tend to be more flexible in the price the longer the home is on the market.


• A house that's sited to take advantage of the sun, the wind and the typography costs less to heat and cool and can save thousands of dollars over the years in utility bills.


• Buying a house whose style is uniquely individual will probably minimize rather than maximize its resale value because the house will appeal to a somewhat more limited number of potential buyers.


• If you think you may need more space in the near future, be sure the house and lot will allow for expansion.


• Redoing a kitchen is likely to be expensive. So be sure of what you need and want before you buy.


• Don't buy a house with foundation problems. Although most foundation problems can be corrected, repair work is usually expensive.


• Before you buy a house that may have a wet basement problem, get a good unbiased diagnosis from a professional with moisture control experience. The solution could be costly.


• A roof that complements the style of a home and is carefully maintained adds to the home's visual appeal and its resale value.


• A light-colored roof reflects heat and is best in areas where air conditioning is the greater energy user. In colder weather climates, a dark roof is preferable because it absorbs more heat. In temperate climates, a middle-range shade is best.


• The three most popular wall choices are brick, wood siding and stucco. About half of all home shoppers prefer brick for exterior walls; about one-third prefer wood siding; and about one-fifth prefer stucco.


• Wood floors suggest warmth, quality and good taste and are an asset when it comes time to sell a house.


• Most home shoppers prefer a combination of ceramic tile and vinyl wallpaper as a covering for bathroom walls, creating a positive effect on the house's resale value. Ceramic tile is usually installed wherever water comes in contact with the wall.


• Plant deciduous trees, shrubs and vines on south and west sides of the home to provide shade in the summer and sunshine in the winter. Remember trees enhance the beauty and value of a lot and house.