Yardley, PA

When buying a new home be sure to ask the following questions:

1. How long have you been in business?

2. In what areas have you built?

3. What sets you apart from other builders?

4. What type of warranty program do you offer?

5. What are your fees for building a home (fixed price, costs plus management fee)?

6. How do you charge for extras?

7. Who supervises your construction?

8. How long have your trade people been working with you?

9. How often will we be updated on the progress of the home?

10. How often, during the week, are you at the job site? The superintendent?

11. Who will I be dealing with during construction?

12. Will that person have the authority to make final decisions?

13. How many hours per week do you and your supervising staff participate in continuing education ithin the home building industry?

14. Do you belong to a local trade association? If yes, which one(s)?
In what activities are you involved?

15. Can you provide a list of references, including homeowners, suppliers, subcontractors, and consultants such as architects and engineers?

16. Have you ever been sued and won, sued and lost; or are there any suits currently pending?
If yes, please explain.

17. Do you have any liens against any of the properties that you have built?

18. Have you ever filed for bankruptcy protection?

To learn more about what I can do for you visit me, Carol Swain at www.swainsells.com . Also check out current homes for sale in Bucks County, Pa and surrounding areas.

1. Thou shalt not change jobs, become self-employed or quit your job.

2. Thou shalt not buy a car, truck or van (or you may be living in it)!

3. Thou shalt not use charge cards excessively or let your accounts fall behind.

4. Thou shalt not spend money you have set aside for closing.

5. Thou shalt not omit debts or liabilities from your loan application.

6. Thou shalt not buy furniture.

7. Thou shalt not originate any inquiries into your credit.

8. Thou shalt not make large deposits without first checking with your loan officer.

9. Thou shalt not change bank accounts.

10. Thou shalt not co-sign a loan for anyone.

To learn more about what I can do for you visit me, Carol Swain at www.swainsells.com . Also check out current homes for sale in Bucks County, Pa and surrounding areas.

1. Find a Realtor you can Trust
2. Analyze Your Needs in a Consultation
3. Obtain Financial Pre-Qualification and Pre-Approval
4. Select Properties
5. View Properties
6. Write an Offer to Purchase and Put down Earnest Money Deposit
7. Negotiate and Counteroffer
8. Accept Contract
9. Go through Property Inspections
10. Remove Contingencies
11. Complete the Mortgage Application
12. Secure Underwriting
13. Obtain Loan Approval
14. Schedule Termite
15. Contact Title Company to exam title and title insurance
16. Close on the Property
17. Move in Your New Home

To learn more about what I can do for you visit me, Carol Swain at www.swainsells.com . Also check out current homes for sale in Bucks County, Pa and surrounding areas.

Before You Begin.....

PRE-QUALIFICATION AND PRE-APPROVAL

Many buyers apply for a loan and obtain approval before they find the home they want to buy. Why?

Pre-qualifying will help you in the following ways:

1. Generally, interest rates are locked in for a set period of time. You will know in advance exactly what your payments will be on offers you choose to make.

2. You won't waste time considering homes you cannot afford.

Pre-approval will help you in the following ways:

1. A seller may choose to make concessions if they know that your financing is secured. You are like a cash buyer, and this may make your offer more competitive.

2. You can select the best loan package without being under pressure.

How Much Home Can You Afford?

There are three key factors to consider:

1. The down payment

2. Your ability to qualify for a mortgage

3. The closing costs associated with your transaction.

Down Payment Requirements:

Most loans today require a down payment of between 3.5% and 5.0% depending on the type and terms of the loan. If you are able to come up with a 20-25% down payment, you may be eligible to take advantage of special fast-track programs and possibly eliminate mortgage insurance.

Closing Costs:

You will be required to pay fees for loan processing and other closing costs. These fees must be paid in full at the final settlement, unless you are able to include them in your financing. Typically, total closing costs will range between 2-5% of your mortgage loan.

Qualifying For The Mortgage:

Most lenders require that your monthly payment range between 25-28% of your gross monthly income. Your mortgage payment to the lender includes the following items:

• The principal on the loan (P)

• The interest on the loan (I)

• Property taxes (T),

• The homeowner's insurance (I).

Your total monthly PITI and all debts (from installments to revolving charge accounts) should range between 33-38% of your gross monthly income. These key factors determine your ability to secure a home loan: Credit Report, Assets, Income, and Property Value.

To learn more about what I can do for you visit me, Carol Swain at www.swainsells.com . Also check out current homes for sale in Bucks County, Pa and surrounding areas.

Every year, I make plans to go to the Holiday Light Show. This year, I did some research and it sounds like a lot of fun. It's acres of Holiday Lights....how I love seeing the creativity of some.

ShadyBrook Farm

931 Stone Hill Road

Yardley, PA 19067

215-968-1670

• Drive-thru - $20/carload
• Hayride - $7/person
• Season Pass $60
• $50/Bus, $25/Commercial Van