Choose a Real Estate Agent: Perhaps the most important decision of the whole process is choosing the right real estate agent. Your agent is the one person who will be with you throughout the entire process from looking at properties to writing an offer (and getting it accepted!) to closing the transaction (getting appraisals, surveys, insurance, etc. .) to helping you get settled. You'll want and need someone who:

• Is a REALTOR
• Is a good listener
• Reacts to what you tell her
• Demonstrates knowledge of the current market and area
• Is well-informed and connected
• Is PROACTIVE and will be the driving force behind helping you achieve your goal of finding the perfect property!

Choose a Neighborhood: Location, location, location! But to what?!! Think about the following and how they rank in importance to you, then ask me to help you find the area which best meets your needs:

Distance to work, to schools, to shopping, to recreation, to neighbors, to places of worship, to healthcare; privacy; views; access; lay of the land (do you want mountains and shade trees? meadows and streams? a place for horses? a garden area?)

Make a Wish List - Now that you know how much you qualify for, have chosen a Realtor, and know what area you want to live in, you're ready to start looking at houses. Click here to send me information, which will help me, help you locate the perfect property.

Special considerations for buying in the mountains -- water (well or association?), septic systems, electricity and telephone service, road maintenance, garbage removal, property taxes, propane tanks, restrictive covenants . . . These are just a few of the many things you'll need to take into consideration when buying a property in the beautiful mountain area. I'm here to help ask the right questions and get the answers you need.

Once you have found the home you want to make an offer on, I will guide you through the process of writing the offer, getting it accepted and carrying the transaction through to closing.

EMAIL me if you have further questions about the housing hunting and the buying process. I'll be glad to put you in touch with lenders, inspectors, appraisers, or contractors.