The Property Emporium's National Relocation Service

                                         The Buyers Guide To Real Estate                                                               Planning                      

By Robert A Reynolds

                  How do I choose a neighborhood?                                                       

Neighborhood is a very subjective term meaning different things to different people. There is an old real estate maxim that says there are three criteria that determine market value . . . location, location, location. For many questions, no better source exists than a REALTOR who knows the neighborhood professionally. However, here are some of the neighborhood questions you might consider: IS IT MOSTLY FAMILIES? SINGLES? CHILDREN? HOW DO THE FAMILIES EARN THERE LIVING- MILITARY PROFESSIONAL, CIVILIAN PROFESSIONALS, ECT. , AND WHAT ARE THE INCOME LEVELS? ARE THE NEIGHBOR'S INTERESTS SIMILAR OR VARIED? WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF DWELLINGS? HOW FAR APART ARE THE HOMES - WHAT IS THEIR AVERAGE AGE? HOW IS THE AREA KEPT UP - GOOD, FAIR, OR POORLY/ HOW CONVENIENT IS IT? HOW DO THE CHILDREN REACH THEIR SCHOOLS? WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES OF THE AREA? WHAT KIND OF RESALE IS THERE - FREQUENT OR INFREQUENT.

• I think I want to buy a home-how do I start?

• How do I determine how much I can afford?

• How do I know how much monthly payment I can afford?

• How much down payment do I need?

• What sources can I use for my down payment?

• What formulas do most lenders use to determine what monthly payment they will approve?

• How do I go about choosing an area and and a specific home?

• How do I choose a neighborhood?

• Should I look at existing homes or new construction?

• I'll only be in the area six months-should I buy or rent?

• How long do I need to be in the area to make buying a good decision?

• Is it really a good idea to buy instead of rent?

• When is the best time of the year to buy?

• How do the up front costs of buying and renting compare?

• What are the advantages of buying a home?

• How much appreciation can I expect?

• What does Homeowners insurance cover? 

                                                     Choosing A Home 

                                                           The Offer

                                                    Money & Financing