Free Web Hosting Provider - Web Hosting - E-commerce - High Speed Internet - Free Web Page
Search the Web


HOW TO BUY A HOME IN PHILADELPHIA
Home Page | Real Estate Information| Steps in Buying a Home | Words You Need to Know| Where to Live

The Steps In Buying a Home

Becoming Pre-Qualified is the first thing you have to think about. Picking the area, finding an agent, choosing the house ... all that comes later. The number 1 rule in buying a home in Philadelphia, or anywhere, is being able to prove than you can get the money.

Some people are frightened by banks and mortgage companies. Getting information from them should be easy and costs nothing. Basically, they do a financial background check, and if you qualify they tell you. You MUST find out how much they will give you and at what interest rate.

Choosing an agent is next. If you are buying, you need a BUYERS agent such as Jack Eisner of RE/MAX 2000 when buying a home in Philadelphia or the suburbs. His service is free. Sellers pay the commission. Do not let anyone kid you, some agents work for buyers, some for sellers and some do both. If you see a sign in front of a home, and you call that number, you end up talking to the agent who works for the seller. A good agent can make your life pleasant and a bad experience can ruin everything.
Looking at homes. First you choose the area. Then you look at pictures and information. Do not discount a home because it lacks central air, or has oil heat or something similar. Those things can be corrected later. Look for the basic home design that pleases you. Take pencil and paper and take notes of each home you visit. Make sure you fully understand what stays with the house, and what goes.
Making the Offer If you really want the home, go for it. Make a strong offer when buying homes in Philadelphia. Your deposit is important. Sellers are impressed by money. Five percent down is the minimum sellers usually want, though that is not mandated by law. It is just a suggestion. Remember, this is not an auction. If several people are making offers, you usually do not get a chance to re-open the offer.
Going to closing. You must stay on top of everything until the house is yours. It is your responsibility to make sure the mortgage company delivers the check at closing. It is your job to make sure the owner has done all he said he would do. It is your job to make a VERY careful inspection of the home on the day of closing.

Fill out the form below for free information.

My status looking at Philadelphia homes for sale
Just browsing Fairly serious Very serious Desperate
Please give FULL name
Your Email. Please double check for accuracy:
Where do you want to live?
Phone you want us to call
You will NOT be on a list
Give as much detail as possible. Tell us what kind of home you want, how many rooms you need, where you want it to be, and when you plan to buy or sell. Also tell us if you are from the Philadelphia area or not.
Are you buying or selling, or both?
What price range?
Do you have an agent?
Have you been 'Pre-Qualified' to borrow money?

Jack Eisner, agent, Joseph Bianchimano, Broker, RE/MAX 2000, 14500 Bustleton Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19116
215 698 2000