Don Andersen

Home prices have come down 20, 30, 40% or more in the last three years and mortgage rates are lower than they've been in 50 years and you still haven't bought a home. Really?

Husing affordability is over 180, an all-time high when 100 is considered good and you're still renting. Really? Are you waiting for it to get to 200? Do you think prices and rates are going to get lower? Really?

You know it's costing you more every month to rent than to own. Tax savings, appreciation and principal reduction lower the monthly cost of housing and yet you'd rather let your landlord benefit...Really? Have you heard that the average homeowner has 41 times greater net worth than a renter? Do you think it's a coincidence? Really?

And have you heard that most people want a place of their own; a place to raise their family; to share with their friends; to feel safe and secure. So, you'd rather go home after working hard all day to your landlord's home. You'd prefer to invite some friends over to your landlord's home for dinner next weekend. Really?

You haven't checked out whether you can actually take advantage of the best buyer's market ever. You haven't invested thirty minutes to find out the facts as they apply to you and your situation. Really? You're basing a decision on national news, chat rooms and Facebook. Really?

Every market is different. Every buyer is unique. If you want a home; if you have a down payment; if you have good credit, you owe it to yourself and your family to explore the possibilities...but with a real estate professional; someone who can really show you the reasons and really give you options.

A home is a place of your own where you can raise your family, share with friends and feel safe and secure. Other benefits for homeowners include better physical health, higher lifetime income, higher student test scores, and lower teen delinquency.

Reduced prices and low interest rates have placed housing affordability at its highest but rates have started inching up in the past few weeks which will directly result in higher payments.

Credit, debt ratios and income are the limiting factors that could be keeping you from taking advantage of these opportunities. Isn't it time you found out where you stand to buy a home?

The benefits of talking with a qualified mortgage officer and pre-approval are without question. It saves time, money and removes the uncertainty of not knowing. The direct benefits include:

• Amount the buyer can borrow - as interest rates rise, the amount decreases
• Looking at "Right" homes - price, size, amenities, location
• Find the best loan - interest rate is tied to credit score; do you qualify for the best rate?
• Uncover credit issues early - time to cure possible problems; 90% of credit reports have errors
• Bargaining power - helps negotiate price, terms and timing
• Close quicker - verifications have been made; takes less time to close

Call me for a recommendation and a list of what you need to share with a loan officer. It may be the best gift you give your family.

Don L Andersen

don@donsproperties.com