Buying a House Thread

[Rich01]

Thanks Ryan.  Was it a local realtor or one of the larger ones such as century 21?

[Nit3h4wk C0uP3]

We went through a Realtor as well. She was recommended to us by a friend. She was great (and she loved zombies Lol) we used companies she recommended. May I suggest not buying a flipped house? D: I also had a few house apps on my phone and would send the listings to our Realtor so we could check them out.

[Rich01]

Thanks Denny. I'm gonna start researching realtors now. I did some research on mortgage bankers and brokers and requested some rate info based on reviews. It's surprising reading some of the negative reviews of the popular advertised companies.

Yeah, I've seen horror stories about flipped houses. Our only requirements are big enough garage, 3 bedrooms and maybe enough yard to put all you guys every June lol.

[Mike]

Also see if your state offers any first time buyer programs. RI actually financed our entire purchase

[Rich01]

Yeah we do Mike. 0-3.5% down, but some have restrictions on where you can look for a house.

[gargantula99]

I'm currently working with a realtor from Coldwell banker.  He was a recommendation from my best friend and its been a good experience.  We're also using an independent mortgage broker and we're happy with her as well.  Good luck with the hunt Rich.

[accordguy04]

Thanks Ryan.  Was it a local realtor or one of the larger ones such as century 21?

Local I believe.  It's RSR I'd never heard of em but one of Shellys coworkers recommended them.

+1 to the realtor apps (realtor, zillow, trulia).  That's where we started to get an idea and we went out to some open houses.  Cool thing was when the realtor started sending us houses most of them were ones we were already interested in seeing.

[ikethegreat]

Also see if your state offers any first time buyer programs. RI actually financed our entire purchase

+1!   I had to attend a few classes but Baltimore ended up paying 100% of my closing costs and my down-payment (around $15k total).  If I stay in my home for over 10 years, I don't have to pay a penny back.

When you find a house you like, use sites like zillow and trulia to see what people in that neighborhood paid for their houses.  That will give you a good idea if the seller's asking price is good or not.  A good realtor should do this themselves, but I like to do my own research. 

When picking a realtor, make sure you check out their fees.  Some charge more than others. 

[Rich01]

Thanks guys. I have few calls to return today.

[accordguy04]

Also see if your state offers any first time buyer programs. RI actually financed our entire purchase

+1!   I had to attend a few classes but Baltimore ended up paying 100% of my closing costs and my down-payment (around $15k total).  If I stay in my home for over 10 years, I don't have to pay a penny back.

When you find a house you like, use sites like zillow and trulia to see what people in that neighborhood paid for their houses.  That will give you a good idea if the seller's asking price is good or not.  A good realtor should do this themselves, but I like to do my own research. 

When picking a realtor, make sure you check out their fees.  Some charge more than others. 

Wow thats a nice deal.  We did FHA so we only have to put down 3.5% and I went to a 2 part seminar and will get $3000 in down payment and closing cost assistance.

[accordguy04]

Just got word that we are officially approved for the grant money!  We close Jan 28, now comes the shitty part... packing and waiting.  This month can't go quick enough.

[Mike]

Just got word that we are officially approved for the grant money!  We close Jan 28, now comes the shitty part... packing and waiting.  This month can't go quick enough.

congrats man. We have slowly started looking for a new house.

[AZcaveman]

Thats crazy were supposed to close the 26th :-/ yay for spending money

[Nit3h4wk C0uP3]

Time to get a home depot card lol

[AZcaveman]

Just found out seller didnt disclose its in a flood zone! Dammit! Waiting for quote on flood insurance