Tips for Buying a House
Make a List
Before you start looking for a home to buy, sit down and make a list of the features you're looking for in a home, specifically:
- How many bedrooms and baths?
- Which school district or neighborhood?
- What style home do you find appealing?
- Do you need a formal living room or dining room?
- Large or small yard?
- Garage?
Once you've come up with the list for your dream house, you should...
Find out How Much You Can Afford
- Contact a Mortgage Loan Officer
- Ask your Loan Officer to order your credit report to make sure the information is accurate. If you find errors, take steps to correct them immediately.
- Your Loan Officer can tell you how much money you will need for your down payment and closing costs. They will tailor you with a financing program to suit your needs.
- Being pre-qualified by a Loan Officer can make your transaction go smoothly. By knowing how much you can afford you can concentrate on homes in your price range. When you make an offer on your dream home, the seller will view you as a "strong buyer" because you have been qualified for a loan. Being pre-qualified improves your negotiating position.
Find a Home
Once you know how much you can afford you should ask a Gonda Real Estate sales agent to help you find a home...
- Call (607) 753-6645 or tollfree at 877-824-3729, or e-mail. Fill out our information request form. Be specific about your needs. Let your agent know what is a "must have."
- Ask us about the "Benefits of Buyer Agency."
- Let your agent know what times are most convenient for you to look at property. If there is more than one person making the decision about what to buy, it is best if you can both look at homes together.
- Your realtor can show you any property, even if listed for sale by another broker. If you see a sign or an ad on a home for sale, ask your Gonda Real Estate agent to give you the details about the property. This will be less time consuming for you as you will work with one agent, representing your interests.
- As you view homes, tell your realtor what you like and don't like about each home. This will help your agent understand your needs and narrow down your search.
For further information please visit our "Contact Us" page.

607.753.6645
toll-free 877.824.3729
fax 607.758.5486
e-mail gonda@cortlandrealestate.com
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