Additionally, a study of 50,000 buyers who had been living in their homes from 4-18 months found that there were three factors which drove satisfaction with builder mortgage originations: 1) the loan officer, 2) the closing and 3) the application/approval process. Despite the recent issues surrounding the housing market in the United States, many builders are happily reporting success in boosting sales through their partnership with lenders. By providing potential home buyers with incentives that make buying a home more affordable, especially where high home prices have become a prime factor in discouraging home buyers, prospective home buyers no longer need to wait around for interest rates to drop or their incomes to increase in order to be able to afford the home of their dreams. If you are planning on or interested in buying a home in the Raleigh area, contact Buyers Advantage Group Realty today. All of the agents at Buyers Advantage Group Realty are extremely familiar with the Triangle area as well as the home builders and can help you save valuable time and money when it comes to buying your first home.

A Real estate agent, especially an exclusive buyer agent, will take the time to understand who you are, what your home buying goals are and what your lifestyle needs are so that he or she can be your consultant and advisor to finding the right home.  Don’t show up in a new city and call to see if an agent can show you homes that afternoon and expect to see your dream home.  Or call the number on the sign in the yard and expect to speak with someone who has not pledged to get the very best deal for the seller.

We at Buyers Advantage Group believe that we need to know our clients, their families, their goals and their dreams. When you first call or visit with us, we ask probing questions that have our clients think in directions which they might not have considered were important to buying a home which allow us to qualify your specific home buying goals.

Buyers, do not short change your home buying experience. You need to know who you are working with and have the confidence in the advice you are getting about the home you are about to purchase. Buying a home is one of the largest purchases you will make this year. You should be as happy in your next home in 5, 10 or 20 years as you were when you first walked thru the home’s front door.  Choose an agent who will never have to compromise their services to you no matter which property you buy.  Only an Exclusive Buyer Agent is that choice.

Let’s look at the facts: What makes 2010 a buyer’s market?

Fact #1: If you look at the historical data from the Federal Reserve regarding interest rates on commitments for fixed-rate first mortgages, you’ll see that the current rate is down at 4.5 as of August 2010.  Now compare this interest rate to the last two pervious years and you will see that those interest rates were a higher!  One reason, 2010 is a great year for home buyers.

Worried about down payment?

Fact #2:  There are programs designed to offer the buyer different down payment choices. One example, FHA offers a 96.5% loan, requiring only 3.5% down payment from the buyer.  Another good program called the USDA Rural Development Program makes available a 100% loan options without private mortgage insurance.  There are specific loan programs for teachers, police officers and firefighters – our community service home buyers.  Special loan programs for medical personnel. And local builders have been creating/purchasing loans for their buyers which provide reduced interest rates and low or no closing costs to give their buyers more money to go towards their down payment.  This is a great time to be a buyer!

Worried about what home choices are available?

Fact #3: June 2010 saw a decline in “Pending” listing status. This means there are more available homes to choose from and fewer buyers to compete with for homes. There is more to negotiating a home than purchase price.  Sellers are providing more concessions than ever before when negotiating the sale of their homes. Once again, giving the buyer more buying power!

Steps to a Better Home Buying Experience

When you are purchasing a home or even thinking about it, it can be both exciting and scary.  However, you should not let misinformation scare you away from realizing your dreams.  Buyers have more choices than ever. The agents at Buyers Advantage Group can help you in your quest to find the perfect home. Our exclusive buyer agents act as your consultant and educator to protect your interests through every step of the buying process to secure the right home, the right loan and the right concessions. If you have been thinking of buying a home, there is no better time than now to assert your power as a buyer!

Consider that the supply of rental homes is dwindling and the cost of them is going higher by the day.  This sad cycle of people loosing their homes to foreclosure has created a demand, especially for houses, as people who have had a home and have kids and pets have a difficult time living in apartments.

Just as in buying a home it is important to locate properties for rent in areas with safe neighborhoods, good schools and parks for kids to play.

Interest rates are at an all time low.  Consider how much you are earning on that money sitting in a CD or savings account right now.  With some work and an initial investment you can increase your future income and help folks who really need it.