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| Category: Reference:Homebuying And Building |
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| About the Book | |
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For decades owning your own home has been considered an integral part of the American Dream. Recently the dreams of millions of American families have turned into nightmares as they have been forced out of their homes by financial circumstances beyond their control. This modern day tragedy of epic proportions continues as millions of additional homeowners are facing foreclosure in the foreseeable future. While the debate rages over how to deal with the huge backlog of foreclosed homes, millions of American families either buy their first home, move up to a larger, more expensive home, or downsize to a smaller one each year. This book offers assistance to all who purchase a home today and want to avoid the risk that their American Dream might become a nightmare. The purchase of a home is by far the largest financial transaction most families will ever make. Yet some continue to make decisions with long term consequences without sufficient planning and without the help of experienced professionals. Too many home buyers rely on the agent representing the seller to advise them without realizing that the agent representing the seller has an unavoidable conflict of interest which makes it impossible to represent both seller and buyer. The first step to home ownership should be the selection of a highly qualified and trusted agent to guide the buyer through the entire process. This book will assist the prospective home buyer in finding such an agent and in knowing what to expect from their agent. Every buyer has a story that is different and the first thing a buyer's agent should do is listen to their prospective client's story. The only way an agent can provide the individualized service each client deserves is by learning about the goals and aspirations unique to each client. It is said, If you don't know where you're going, any map will get you there. When it comes to buying a home, if you don't know what you're looking for, you may fall in love with a home you can't afford. Wise homebuyers work with their agents to define the scope of their search within the limits of what they can reasonably afford. A prospective homebuyer doesn't need a team of experts to tell them what they can afford. They know what they are spending at present either for rent or for debt service on their present home. They also know whether they are keeping up or falling behind on their current financial obligations. Credit scores and credit history may establish the upper limit of what a homebuyer can finance, but just because a lender is willing to loan the money does not mean it is wise or prudent to spend that much on a home. This book will assist homebuyers and their agents in selecting the right community and the right home within that community. It provides guidance as to what to look for when you tour a home, how to decide how much to offer and how to negotiate a fair deal. Once a home has been selected and a deal has been struck there is still a lot of work to do and this book provides detailed help relative to home inspection, final walk-through, preparation for closing, and what to anticipate after you move into your new home. Welcome to Home Ownership.
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| About the Author | |
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John Cleek is college president, dean, professor, consultant, entrepreneur, executive, minister, realtor, author, civic leader, husband, father, and grandfather. He has taught in 48 states and 5 Asian countries. He holds four degrees including the Ph.D. Most of all, he is known as one who cares deeply about others. |