For Buyers
2006 is a great time to buy a home. Interest rates are still low, there are more homes on the market to choose from. For the past several years we have had a sellers market. In 2006 the market is a bit more balanced between buyers and sellers. For real estate news check my real estate blog.
Try our internet home search, no registration required. Find homes listed by any real estate company. Use the google map search feature to search by location. View picture slide shows. Find out which homes are having open houses.
Articles and advice for home buyers.
New to home buying? Learn the lingo, see the real estate glossary.
10 Questions you should ask your realtor.
Home buying guide. This site really covers the basics of how to prepare for home ownership, when to buy.
Get free guides and information from the Fannie Mae foundation.
Preview of condos, lofts and townhouses in St. Paul
Find a home in a specific St. Paul Neighborhood: Highland Park, Crocus Hill, Mac Groveland. To seach all metro areas click on the home search button to the left.
Home buyers love my web-based approach to home buying combined with personal service. High tech, high touch, time efficient just the way it should be.
My laptop computer with wireless internet access helps me keep up with new listings. The Travel Mate GPS system by Magellan makes locating any home a breeze. My Blackberry PDA and cell phone gives me access to all of my email no matter where I am. My clients can always reach me.
As a life long resident of the Twin Cities I know the area well. I currently live with my family near downtown St. Paul in a house that was built in the 1850's. My hobbies include repairing cracks in lath and plaster walls and painting and maintaining our old house. I am active in my community and am on the board of directors for the West 7th Community Center and the Community Reporter Newspaper. I love my neighborhood with it's historic homes, views of the Missississippi River and the downtown skyline.
I sell homes of all types including new construction, land and investment property but have a passion for historic homes. I am not sure that We have ever met a historic home that I did not like. :)
As a professional realtor® what I enjoy the most about my job is the people I meet and have the privilege of working with. Much of my business comes from referrals. It is our goal to deliver such superior service that it is unthinkable for my clients to use or refer another realtor®.
Buying a home is an exciting time in one's life. Making the smart move of choosing a REALTOR® is your first step to ensuring that your new home and community meets your needs. Our services and experience range from financial aid to helping you find the home that best suits you and your family. For your convenience, We also provide listings by email. We pride ourselves on repeat business and hope you'll come to understand why.Learn about Agency Relationships in Real Estate. - if you are looking at new construction keep in mind that the agent in the sales model represents the seller. Buyers can bring in their own agent to represent them. This doesn not add to the cost of the home.
See my 2005 scrap book featuring last years clients and the homes they bought.
"we just love our new home" Ron & Vanessa
How I Can Help
Before you start looking
Closing Costs
- Assure that you see all the properties in the area that meet your criteria.
- Act as your personal shopper. As a full time realtor I am always looking at homes. Some are listed on the MLS and some are not.
- Guide you through the entire home buying process, 20 to 40 home buyers benefit from my help and experience each year.
- Make sure you don't pay too much for your new home and help you avoid costly mistakes.
- Answer all of your questions about the local market area, including schools, neighborhoods, the local economy, and more.
Before You Start Looking For Your New Home:
- Check your credit rating. Straighten out any errors before its too late.
- Determine a comfortable monthly budget for your new purchase, including down payment and monthly payment.
- Find a loan program that meets your needs and get pre-approved for a loan.
- Choose a REALTOR® that you trust and who understands your needs.
- Determine what neighborhood best matches your needs.
- Identify important features you need your new home to have.
- Lender fees include charges for loan processing, underwriting, preparation and establishing an escrow account.
- Third-party fees include charges for insurance, title search, and other inspections such as termites.
- Government fees include deed recording and state & local mortgage taxes.
- Escrow and interest fees include homeowner's insurance, loan interest, real estate taxes, and occasionally private mortgage insurance.
