A resource to help guide you through the homebuying experience from start to finish.

You’ve heard it before: buying a home may be the largest purchase you will ever make. Does that make you nervous? Consider this: it can also be one of the best investments you will ever make. From the pride you feel by being a homeowner to the potential tax deductions associated with home ownership, the benefits are plenty. If you’re ready to travel the road toward home ownership, take your first step with the RE/MAX® Homebuyer’s Guide. This guide is a resource to help familiarize you with the homebuying process and present you with relevant information, including a list of terms, things to consider when choosing a home and a checklist to help you make the right decisions for you

For over 50 years, RE/MAX has been building a
global network of highly productive, full-time real
estate professionals. RE/MAX agents average more
sales and have more real estate sales experience
than other real estate agents.

What does this mean for you? It means when you
work with a RE/MAX agent, you are getting a
dedicated real estate professional with access to
a vast knowledge base, as well as the tools and
support they need to help you find and purchase the
right home. 

Getting pre-approved for a mortgage before you start touring houses can put you ahead of the pack. Should you fall in love with a house, being pre-approved strengthens your offer to purchase. Applying for a mortgage requires a written application and supporting documentation. Here are a few things you should be ready for when meeting with a mortgage lender:

Lenders will examine your credit history to help decide if
you’re a good candidate for a loan. Credit scores are ranked on a scale of 300-900; the higher, the better

Lenders ask for a list of your past employers, how long you’ve been with your current employer and what your annual salary is. They want to make sure you can make regular mortgage payments.

Be prepared to show your past tax records, recent bank statements and current debt amounts, including credit card debt, car loan or student loan. Lenders want to know your debt-to-income ratio to confirm if you can make each loan payment with the income you earn. 

Mortgage loan and lender options vary. Different loan types can accommodate different financial situations. Do your research and consult a financial expert if needed. Your RE/MAX agent can help you understand the various options and help you pick the right one for your situation.

Whether you are moving across town or across the country, the real estate market is a big place.

An experienced RE/MAX agent can help you navigate it.
RE/MAX agents have access to current market information and can help you make informed decisions about the areas and properties that interest you. As you move through the process, your RE/MAX agent can walk you through confusing paperwork and, of course, assist you in house hunting.

For over 50 years, RE/MAX has been building a global network of highly productive, full-time real estate professionals. RE/MAX agents average more sales and have more real estate sales experience than other real estate agents.

What does this mean for you?
It means when you
work with a RE/MAX agent, you are getting a dedicated real estate professional with access to a vast knowledge base, as well as the tools and support they need to help you find and purchase the right home. 

Do your due diligence.

Research real estate agents online, read reviews and solicit recommendations from family and friends.


Choose someone you trust.

A home is a very personal, expensive purchase. It’s critical that your real estate agent makes you feel comfortable, listens to you and respects your views.


Look for experience.

An experienced, full-time real estate professional will likely have already experienced market ups and downs, and will know how to navigate current conditions


Communication matters.

You’re going to have questions during this process—it’s natural.
That’s why it’s important you choose an agent who you feel has your best interests in mind and will help you navigate the process with effective and timely communication.

1.How much experience do you have, and can you provide references?

2. What services and resources do you offer?

3. How will the homebuying process work and what’s expected of me?

4. How much time can you devote to my needs, and how often will you communicate with me?

5. What types of homes are your specialty, and are you familiar with the neighborhoods that interest me?

6. How many homes have you helped customers buy in the last year?

7. What happens after we make an offer? What about after closing?

There are lots of things a potential buyer can do to get
a feel for a property by simply utilizing the tools that are
available online. Your RE/MAX agent is a great resource
to lean on, as they often have lots of information on the
property that may not be included in the MLS listing
description...

As a homebuyer, you can expect to see an array of different home
styles and designs. You’ve got the choice of single-family, condo,
townhome, lakefront, acreage, luxury; you can also choose bungalow,
multiple-story or split-level. In addition, you can choose a pre-existing
home or new construction. In other words, you’ve got options...

When you’re ready to make an offer, your RE/MAX
agent will prepare the required paperwork and
negotiate the purchase price and terms on your
behalf, but there are a few things you’ll need to
do as well...

By familiarizing yourself with these homebuying basics, you’ll be better
equipped to make informed decisions and a wise investment.