Find the Right Buyer’s Agent Protect your interests by calling Sage Realty, an exclusive buyer’s agency, before beginning your home search. We have your goals in mind and will act as your personal advocate to develop real estate strategies for you, the buyer. In fact, we’ll help you through each of the steps below!   Check Your Credit Make sure to check your credit to see if any errors have been made! By law, you are allowed to correct mistakes. Taking the time to clean up your credit report before applying for a mortgage can result in significant savings over the term of the loan.   Make Use of Technology There’s a lot of information out there to help you make a wise decision when buying a home. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to find or easy to use. At Sage, we’re experts in today’s technology and will make sure you get all the information you need, including daily listings with addresses and photos, contract forms, floor plans, seller disclosure materials and community information. Decide What You Want Your home is much more than a collection of bedrooms, bathrooms and an outdoor deck. It’s where you relax, work, entertain friends and raise your family. Before you begin your search, take the time to evaluate what is most important to you in a home. By defining what you want and the right location, you won’t be tempted to purchase a house that feels right, but is lacking some essential element. See some popular home styles and decide what suits you, click here  for examples from REALTOR® Magazine. Talk to Lenders Even in today’s market, there are many mortgage options available: you can get financing through mortgage bankers and brokers, mutual savings banks, commercial banks, credit unions, savings and loan associations and insurance companies. At Sage, we’ll help you evaluate the terms various lenders can give you to find a loan that is in your best interest. Most people make assumptions about the way lenders will look at them which are incorrect. For a guide on what to ask a potential lender check out our Choosing a Lender page. Work Out Your Budget Before you start looking, determine how much house you can afford. What monthly payments would you be comfortable with? Remember to factor in any down payment, taxes, association fees, home insurance, etc. By working the numbers ahead of time, you can buy with confidence. We can help you by looking up local taxes, typical utility costs, transportation expenses and other items you might not consider.