Using a real estate broker is a very good idea. All the details involved in home buying, particularly the financial ones, can be mind boggling. A good real estate professional can guide you through the entire process and make the experience much easier. A real estate broker will be well-acquainted with all the important things you'll want to know about schools, neighborhoods, etc. He or she will help you figure the price range you can afford and search the classifieds, and multiple listing services for homes you'll want to see. With immediate access to homes as soon as they're put on the market, the broker can save you hours of wasted driving-around time. When it's time to make an offer on a home the broker can point out ways to structure your deal to save you money. He or she will explain the advantages and disadvantages of different types of mortgages, guide you through the paperwork, and be there to hold your hand and answer and last-minute questions when you sign the final papers at closing. And you don't pay the broker anything! The payment comes from the home seller-not from the buyer. The best way to find a real estate broker would be to ask a friend or relative for a referral. Then you should pay a visit to a few different real estate professionals and interview with them. Choose a real estate professional who is knowledgeable, dedicated, conveys trust, integrity, and compassion.    « less

A home is an investment. When you rent, you write your monthly check and that money is gone forever. But when you own your home, you can deduct the cost of your mortgage loan interest from your federal income taxes, and usually from your state taxes. This will save you a lot each year, because the interest you pay will make up most of your monthly payment for most of the years of your mortgage. You can also deduct the property taxes you pay as a homeowner. In addition, the value of your home may go up over the years. Finally, you'll enjoy having something that's all yours - a home where your own personal style will tell the world who you are.   « less

Well, I wouldn't say that there is a "need" for rental property. Being a landlord is something you do because you are willing to take a risk. Can it be profitable? Most definatley! Can it be more profitable now, possibly. But one needs to have an understanding that life does not hand us cherries just because we take a step in one direction or the other. Are there people taking advantage of the market right now and turning their gain into rental property? Yes. Do I think this is a good move? Yes. But, I believe in Real Estate all the way around. And yes it does have many facets. I know people that can make a profit flipping houses, and I know of people who have lost money trying to flip. The same goes for Commercial. If one has a dream about providing a service for someone and they really make it a service, Commercial property is the thing to invest in. The key is finding what you like about Real Estate and making it work for you. Maybe its just having a nice home to live in, make it better than the way you found it and it will grow interest. What ever it is Affinity has the professionalism to help you succeed.   « less

There are so many important issues involved when purchasing a home such as earnest deposits, inspections, appraisals, surveys, title commitments, title policies, lender requirements, accurrate recording, property tax prorations, septic inspections, escrow accounts and more... Even with the representation of an associate broker/REALTOR, and with the best of circumstances, there are many issues to be considered. My best advice to you if you are considering purchasing without the assistance of an agent/agency would be to contact your attorney.   « less

There are many homes on the market that your home will be competing with. Having the expertise of a agent/agency, REALTOR and the exposure for your property that only a Professional can provide, puts you home ahead of the competition. This could result in a quicker sale potentially saving you money by not paying mortgage payments for an extended length of time.   « less

With tougher requirements by mortgage lenders, more people may have to rent until their conditions change that will enable them to buy.