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Mike Harris
Abbotsford Office:(604) 855-5000, ext. 248
Mission Office:(604) 826-3674, ext. 248
Fax:(604) 826-6552
e-mail:MikeHarris@telus.net
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Buying

Congratulations!  You have decided to purchase a home, or are thinking about buying one.  You'll be joining the ranks of hundreds of families who realize that home ownership offers a number of benefits including building equity, saving for the future, and creating an environment for your family.  When you own your own home, your hard-earned dollars contribute to your mortgage. The equity you earn is yours.  Over time, your home will increase in value.
 
When purchasing a home, you are faced with a multitude of decisions! Let me help you every step of the way. The primary one is whether you are actually prepared to purchase a home. Locating the perfect home is not always an easy task, and obtaining a mortgage loan can be a complex and tiring process. Although, once you have determined that you are ready to move forward with the required effort towards your home-purchasing goal, the rewards are unquestionable.
 
While at your side each step of the way, I will make the process of purchasing a home easier, more enjoyable, less time-consuming, and less expensive than if you undertook this challenge on your own. will help you prepare so that sellers perceive you as a preferred buyer, help you locate and assess properties for sale that match your specifications, and help you through the myriad of details attending the actual purchase.
 
I am always familiar with the current homes on the market, and I know neighborhood values well, so I can help you determine which properties are fairly-priced and in good condition before you start your search.

Your First Step

Your first step to buying a home is to first ask yourself why you want to buy a home: to stop paying rent? To start building equity? To have a place of your own? To raise a family? To entertain business associates? To move up to a bigger house? Next, list what kind of home you'd like and where you would like to be. Be specific. Separate the "must haves" from the "want to haves."

 
Think of yourself as zeroing in on a target, going from the general to the specific. Consider area (city, suburban neighborhood, country); community (north, south, east, or west side); neighborhood (older and settled or sparkling new; a particular school zone; recreational facilities; and other community services such as transportation, day care, library, stores, entertainment). Ask yourself how many minutes you are willing to commute to work.
 
Think about home styles. How much space do you need? Does your situation require a one-level home, or are stairs acceptable? Consider size and kind of property. Do you want a newer home, or maybe an older one to fix up? Someday you or your heirs will want to sell. Consider how long you expect to live in this particular home.

Your Next Step: Loan Pre-Qualification

Once you have addressed the above needs, your next step in the purchasing process is to get pre-qualified with a mortgage company. This can be done over the phone or even online in a matter of minutes.
 
The loan prequalification process is a simple one. First, the loan officer asks the homebuyer several questions, some of which may require documented proof. For example, the loan officer will ask the homebuyer to provide proof of income and debt in order to determine a debt to income ratio. In order to determine this ratio, the loan officer needs to know the homebuyer's outstanding debts, assets, credit and employment status.
 
After evaluating all of this information, the loan officer is able to provide the homebuyer with an estimate of how much money he or she can spend toward the purchase of a new home. With a loan prequalification letter from a lending institution, a buyer has a greater chance of getting the house he or she wants, particularly if there are other buyers interested in the home who have not been preapproved. In addition to helping the homebuyer determine the amount of money that can be spent toward the purchase of a new home, a loan prequalification helps the homebuyer learn how much the monthly installment payments will be. The homebuyer can also decide how much of a down payment is necessary.
 
Not sure where to find a reliable mortgage broker? Call me and I will refer you to a mortgage professional that has an excellent reputation and track record for successfully acquiring loan approval for his/her clients.

I Will Find The Right Homes For You

Once you've been pre-qualified and know what price range you want to stay in, I can help you determine which properties fit your needs by using the (MLS) Multiple Listing Service system to locate them.

 
There are probably few things in life that are as exciting--or as nerve- racking--as the search for a house. All the good emotions and the bad emotions seem to converge when the house hunting begins. Don't worry, this is a normal reaction, and is found in seasoned home buyers as well as those who are looking for their first home.
 
I have the best possible resources and communication systems available today to help you locate the homes on the market that match your specifications. You can even search my listings here at my website.

I Will Help You Every Step Of The Way

I will help you complete your financing and inspections, and close on the transaction. My top priority is to make sure that your home buying experience is pleasant, cost-efficient, and successful. Free free to contact me at any time with questions you may have.