Frequently Asked Questions

• I want to buy a house! What do I do first?

Assuming that you will be taking out a mortgage to buy your home, your first step should be to get pre-qualified.

I've provided a helpful list of the information to bring to a loan application (see the Loan Application Checklist). Once you’ve worked with me or another loan consultant to determine your price range, you should start thinking about what geographical areas you’re interested in, as well as what qualities are necessities for you in a house (number of bedrooms, garage, school district, etc.) and what other qualities you’d like to find but you see more as “icing on the cake”. When you’re clear about these things and you’re pre-approved for a loan, you’re ready to start looking! Give me a call, and I’ll run a search for available homes on the market that meet your criteria.

• I’m thinking of selling my home – what should I do first?

I can prepare a complimentary CMA, or “comparative market analysis” for you, to help you determine the appropriate asking price for your home based on the recent sales prices of comparable homes in your neighborhood. Additionally, I can help you with how best to prepare your home to maximize the sales amount in the shortest time possible.

• I bought my home five years ago. Should I refinance?

It is true that interest rates recently have been the lowest in a generation. Many homeowners are realizing great savings through refinancing now. In general, if refinancing will save you at least one point on your interest rate, refinancing would most likely be a smart thing to do. However, if you are considering moving within the next couple of years, you may be better off without incurring the closing costs of a refinance. I am happy to talk with you about your specific circumstances and to run the numbers to evaluate the pros and cons of a refinance in your specific situation.

• Does it make sense to use the same person as both my loan consultant and my real estate agent?

When that person has earned your trust through his or her integrity and candor, as I would hope to do – absolutely. I have a thorough understanding of every aspect of your transaction. I know how to handle the delicate, yet often critical, balance between the various deadlines we will face – from signing off on the inspection of your new home to getting your insurance information to the lender. I have developed excellent working relationships with representatives from a number of different lenders, escrow officers, etc.. If I’m in a situation where timing is tight, I know that I have an excellent team of people working toward a successful closing.