Cypress, TX 77429
Fax: 281.304.1865
Whether you are new to the area or returning home, we can help you find your dream home or lot to build it on, and at no cost to you. Please find information within customized for you.
Home Buyer Tips
Buy Only What You Can Afford - Rule of thumb - spend no more than a third of your total pre-tax income on the total of your mortgage, homewowners' insurance, and property tax. Let your buyer's agent help you find a good loan officer to customize a mortgage plan for your.
Be An Attractive Risk - Your credit score determines the interest rate a bank will give you on a mortgage. The idfference between decent and terrific credit can add tens of thousands of dollars over the life of the loan. Pay down your credit card bills to improve your rating. But don't close an account once you've paid it off-doing so can actually hurt your rating. Lenders want to see that your debt doesn't exceed 30% of your available credit.
Prequalify for a Loan - being prequalified for a loan determines how much house you can afford. It also allows you to move more swiftly when you find the right house, especially when you aren't the only interested buyer. Talk with at least three mortgage bankers/brokers and shop for rates and terms. A difference of even half a percentage point can make a huge difference in how much you pay over the life of your loan. For example, the difference in the monthly payment on a $100,000 mortgage at 8 percent vs. 7/5 percent is about $35 per month. Over 30 years, that's $12,600. Your buyer's agent can help you sort through the different mortgage terminology and determine which mortgage company is best for you. A buyer's agent is legally responsible for representing your best interests in a real estate transaction and is, generally, compensated by the seller. By working with us here at Century 21 Cornerstone, you can enjoy peace of mind that we will work hard to represent you as a buyer.
Rate the Houses You Tour - after touring each home, write down what you liked and didn't like. Develop a rating system which will help you narrow the field to the house that's best for you and your family. It helps to name the houses so that during discussions you, your spouse and/or realtor can easily bring it to mind. Use something special or not so special about the house as a name; for example, a home with a purple living room - the purple house; perfect kitchen house; stinky house; etc. Don't laugh, it really works. After seeing seven or eight homes in a day, the first one might be forgotten without some kind of system. Again, don't worry, we can help you. Also, during the search for your perfect home, keep in mind features that might help or hinder a future resale. We as your buyer's agent will be most invaluable here. Homes with master bedrooms upstairs are harder to resale in Houston, Texas. In other states, this may be the norm. As you know, location is an important variable in your home purchase. Realtors know of new developments, street openings and expansions, commercial buildings, county plans, etc. You are entitled to know everything your buyer's agent knows about a property and its location. Again, we at Century 21 Cornerstone, stay abreast of current building plans in the Cypress, Tomball, Katy, Highway 6, Northwest Freeway areas. As your buyer's agent, we will tell you all, you don't even have to ask.
Questions To Ask Regarding Available Services To The Property You Are Considering
Day-Care/Preschool - Where are nearby day-care and preschool facilities? What types of programs do they offer? Will there be a place for your child? Which days and what times are available? What are the costs?
Public Transportation - Is a bus or some other public transportation available? Where are bus stops located? How frequent is the service?
Recreational Facilities - Will you be allowed to use recreational facilities in the area? Are special memberships required? Where are parks located and what facilities do they have?
Hospital and Medical Services - Where is the nearest hospital? Are emergency medical facilities closer?
Police and Fire Protection - How available are police, fire and emergency services? Will your home be protected by a neighborhood watch program? Does the area have access to a 911 or other emergency telephone number?
Postal Service - Will mail be delievered to the front porch, the front curb, or community mailboxes at the end of the road?
Trash Collection - Is a commercial garbage collection service available and if so, is the cost covered in your home owner's dues. If not, what is the cost?
Street Maintenance - Who pays to maintain the roads? Are the properly maintained?
Water and Sewer - Are water and sewer facilities adequate? Is there a Municipal Utility District and, if so, what is the tax rate? How much is the water?
Property Taxes - What are the porperty taxes. Is there a homestead exemption from the county? from the school district?
Special Assessments - Are special assessments anticipated? Are there fees due to the homeowners association/management company upon moving in or out?
Homeowners Association - Is there a homeowners association? Is it active? Is there an architectural committe in place to approve renovations? How much are the homeowner's dues?
Deed Restrictions - Are there deed restrictions? If so, get a copy before closing.
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