Buyer Essentials

The Buying Process

10 Steps to Buying Your Home.  Also, see and download a flow chart of the buying process... more>

Types of Agents

Learn about various agent types and what to expect from different agent arrangements.  When buying or selling real estate, you may find it helpful to have a real estate agent assist you. Real estate agents can provide many useful services and work with you in different ways. In some real estate transactions,... more>

Choosing a Home

If you plan to buy a home soon, you will need to know “where you are going.” For a most enjoyable home-buying experience, first build a road map to your new home, a list of priorities that will lead you to your objective – a new home!... more>

The Blue Ridge Mountains

What Every Buyer Should Know Before Buying

1.  Property taxes and qualified interest are deductible on an individual’s federal income tax return.

2.  Often, a home is the largest asset an individual has and is considered one of the most valuable investments available.

3.  More>

Applying for a Mortgage Loan

Now that you know what you want in a home, you need to find out what you can afford. There are two ways to go about this: prequalification or pre-approval for a loan. Either way, you can contact your agent about choosing a mortgage company. Prequalification is the simpler... more>

Home Warranties

Home warranty policies are valuable assets for home buyers and sellers. These policies protect the buyer or seller against the high cost of covered repair and replacement of protected home systems and... more>

Home/Safety Inspections

Inspections are a normal part of the buying process. Continue reading for information on Home Inspections and on Lead, Radon, and Pest Inspections... more>

The Closing

Do you have questions about a "closing," escarow, or title insurance?  A “closing” is where you and your agent meet with some or all of the following individuals: the seller, the seller’s agent, a representative from the lending institution and a representative from the title company, in order to transfer the property title... more>

Moving Tips

CONGRATULATIONS! You have closed on your new home and now you are ready to move!  The following information will help make your move is as organized and effortless as possible.  Think about your move as a series of small projects that you can begin while your home is under contract.  Your move... more>