San Diego is one of the most popular places to live in California. There's plenty of culture and outdoor activities, beautiful beaches, and great weather practically year-round. So if you're considering buying a home in San Diego, you'll have plenty to support your decision.
San Diego's Geography
If you plan to buy a home in San Diego, California, you'll need to be familiar with the basic geography. In San Diego County, you could have a home by the ocean, a home in the mountains, or a home in the desert without going too far in any one direction. There's no shortage of geographical diversity in San Diego!
San Diego sits on the coast of Southern California, just a few miles north of the Mexican border at Tijuana. When looking at a map of the U.S., you'll find San Diego in the extreme southwestern corner of the map.
San Diego's Population
San Diego is the second-largest city in California, and the 8th largest in the United States. In 2005, the city of San Diego had a population of 1,255,540, and San Diego County had a population of 2,933,462. San Diego's continues to grow steadily, as people pour into the city for its beautiful weather and lifestyle.
San Diego's population growth shows no signs of stopping. Whether that's a good or bad thing depends on who you ask. But if you're buying a home in San Diego, it's something you need to keep in mind.
Home Builders in San Diego
Because of the city's consistent growth, you'll find a large variety of home builders in San Diego, California. As with home builders in any other state, you should carefully review the credentials and past work of a San Diego home builder before choosing one. If at all possible, try to talk to a homeowner who worked with the builder in the past.
San Diego Schools
The quality of schools is important for all San Diego home buyers, regardless of whether or not you have school-aged children. Schools have a direct impact on home values. So before buying a home in San Diego, you need to do a bit of homework on the school situation.
Most public schools in San Diego fall under the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD), the second-largest school district in California, serving nearly 133,000 students. As for colleges and universities, San Diego is home to the following:
* University of San Diego
* University of California, San Diego
* San Diego State University
* Platt College (Design, multimedia, etc.)
* A variety of technical, vocational and art-related schools
San Diego Real Estate Agents
When buying a home in San Diego, it's a smart idea to have a real estate agent assist you. After all, San Diego real estate can be pretty expensive -- the last thing you want to do is make a costly error during the home buying process.
If you have a friend or family member who has bought a home in San Diego recently, ask if they would refer their agent. Otherwise, you can search online or check the San Diego Association of Realtors website.
It's best to choose an experienced agent who was been part of the San Diego real estate scene for some time. The San Diego real estate market moves quickly, and the average home price is higher that the national average, so you'll need an experienced pro in your corner.
http://www.content.onlypunjab.com/Article/San-Diego-Real-Estate---A-Home-Buyer-s-Guide-to-San-Diego/4200320092003369044
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Tips To Make The Best Deal For Selling Houses
Want to sell your house in Las Vegas? But before venturing into selling or buying, ensure that you take the help of a real estate agent. Selecting a real estate agent for yourself can be a time-consuming affair. It is important to know which agent will provide you the best deal. The smartest way to tackle is to take the opinion of as many real estate agents as possible about a land and weigh the pros and cons of their opinions. Compare their rates and analyze the best rate given by these agents.
Also, ensure that the agent advertises about your house on other sites in addition to company websites on the Internet. There is a tendency to limit the advertisement only to company websites and this may act as a deterrence in getting the best bargain. What’s more, if the agent values your inputs and pays attention to your requirements, then your road to making your property marketable and profitable will become smooth and easy.
However, it is true that you may need to shell out commission to the agent, but that comes at the expense of the expertise and experience of the agent. True that you will get the same information on the Internet but you will not come across the kind of experiences on the Net or on websites that an agent may provide you. Your investment in an experienced and knowledgeable real estate agent will prove to be fruitful and valuable in the long run.
http://www.content.onlypunjab.com/Article/Tips-To-Make-The-Best-Deal-For-Selling-Houses/4200320092003364249
Also, ensure that the agent advertises about your house on other sites in addition to company websites on the Internet. There is a tendency to limit the advertisement only to company websites and this may act as a deterrence in getting the best bargain. What’s more, if the agent values your inputs and pays attention to your requirements, then your road to making your property marketable and profitable will become smooth and easy.
However, it is true that you may need to shell out commission to the agent, but that comes at the expense of the expertise and experience of the agent. True that you will get the same information on the Internet but you will not come across the kind of experiences on the Net or on websites that an agent may provide you. Your investment in an experienced and knowledgeable real estate agent will prove to be fruitful and valuable in the long run.
http://www.content.onlypunjab.com/Article/Tips-To-Make-The-Best-Deal-For-Selling-Houses/4200320092003364249
Before You Make An Offer - 3 Things A Buyer Should Examine About a Home's Exterior
So, the curb appeal has attracted you in examining the interior of the home in the first place, and after examining the house with your realtor, you have come to the conclusion that this house suits your needs and budget. This is the point where a buyer needs to squelch down some of their understandbly giddy emotions, put the brakes on, so to speak, and should begin to rationally assess some of the potential pitfalls the exterior of the home may present. The following are a few important things you should consider about the exterior of the home before you make an offer.
1) Views
When considering making an offer on a home, one must be very careful when it comes to views. Views, beautiful as they may be, are often seductive and can influence the buyer to overlook serious, costly problems a potential home may have. Furthermore, a buyer should beware of overvaluing the view. A beautiful view today may just be a view of your neighbor’s bathroom in a year. Be sure to investigate local legal regulations regarding new construction in the area, the height to which homes can be built, the restrictions you may have in altering the view as a homeowner and whether pre-existing homes can add second or third floors. Your due diligence will pay off in at least assuring you that you will be able to enjoy the view you paid so much for and allow you to regain it’s value at resale.
2) Landscaping
When visualizing a house with your landscaping and improvement ideas, the first thing to consider is whether you will be allowed to make the changes that suit your tastes. Many houses these days are built within developments and that means rules and regulations by the score that govern exterior changes. Many developments have strict rules regarding landscaping and any additions to properties such as hot tubs, decks and similar exterior improvements. Most of these rules tend to be very restrictive and potentially would disallow the very improvements you might be considering. Before you rush off to make an offer on a property, make absolutely sure you understand what you can and cannot change about the property.
3) Open Land or an Empty Lot
Too many prospective buyers, especially those with pets and children, tend to look at empty land adjacent to their lot as an added plus when buying a property. In their minds eye, they may see their children playing baseball after school on lazy, summer evenings and these visualizations cloud their ability to see the potential problem about an empty lot. If there are vacant lots of land around a property you are considering buying, you must investigate them. You will want to find out what the future plans for those lots are? Are they zoned only for residential use or is commercial zoning available?
You may find yourself seriously regretting your purchase if you find out after the fact that they are approved for commercial use. Before you make the offer on such a property, you need to investigate the matter and give some serious thought as to whether the property will suit you. How will you feel about living next to a business area? How much traffic will it add to your neighborhood? How much noise pollution will there be? What will the commercial development do to the value of the home? These are all questions you must consider before buying the property.
If you have assessed the property in light of the items mentioned above and have found that you are still satisfied with the home, than you are in the clear to begin to prepare your offer and if your offer is accepted, your due diligence will pay off and contribute to your “pride of ownership” and enjoyment of your home for years to come.
Nef Cortez has been a licensed real estate broker and has held various positions in the real estate and mortgage industry for over 25 years. If you would like to read more of Nef's pithy and timely advice (with the latest info on local foreclosures), visit his website at Diamond Bar Houses or read his blog at Southern California Real Estate Blog
http://www.content.onlypunjab.com/Article/Before-You-Make-An-Offer---3-Things-A-Buyer-Should-Examine-About-a-Home-s-Exterior/4200320092003363997
1) Views
When considering making an offer on a home, one must be very careful when it comes to views. Views, beautiful as they may be, are often seductive and can influence the buyer to overlook serious, costly problems a potential home may have. Furthermore, a buyer should beware of overvaluing the view. A beautiful view today may just be a view of your neighbor’s bathroom in a year. Be sure to investigate local legal regulations regarding new construction in the area, the height to which homes can be built, the restrictions you may have in altering the view as a homeowner and whether pre-existing homes can add second or third floors. Your due diligence will pay off in at least assuring you that you will be able to enjoy the view you paid so much for and allow you to regain it’s value at resale.
2) Landscaping
When visualizing a house with your landscaping and improvement ideas, the first thing to consider is whether you will be allowed to make the changes that suit your tastes. Many houses these days are built within developments and that means rules and regulations by the score that govern exterior changes. Many developments have strict rules regarding landscaping and any additions to properties such as hot tubs, decks and similar exterior improvements. Most of these rules tend to be very restrictive and potentially would disallow the very improvements you might be considering. Before you rush off to make an offer on a property, make absolutely sure you understand what you can and cannot change about the property.
3) Open Land or an Empty Lot
Too many prospective buyers, especially those with pets and children, tend to look at empty land adjacent to their lot as an added plus when buying a property. In their minds eye, they may see their children playing baseball after school on lazy, summer evenings and these visualizations cloud their ability to see the potential problem about an empty lot. If there are vacant lots of land around a property you are considering buying, you must investigate them. You will want to find out what the future plans for those lots are? Are they zoned only for residential use or is commercial zoning available?
You may find yourself seriously regretting your purchase if you find out after the fact that they are approved for commercial use. Before you make the offer on such a property, you need to investigate the matter and give some serious thought as to whether the property will suit you. How will you feel about living next to a business area? How much traffic will it add to your neighborhood? How much noise pollution will there be? What will the commercial development do to the value of the home? These are all questions you must consider before buying the property.
If you have assessed the property in light of the items mentioned above and have found that you are still satisfied with the home, than you are in the clear to begin to prepare your offer and if your offer is accepted, your due diligence will pay off and contribute to your “pride of ownership” and enjoyment of your home for years to come.
Nef Cortez has been a licensed real estate broker and has held various positions in the real estate and mortgage industry for over 25 years. If you would like to read more of Nef's pithy and timely advice (with the latest info on local foreclosures), visit his website at Diamond Bar Houses or read his blog at Southern California Real Estate Blog
http://www.content.onlypunjab.com/Article/Before-You-Make-An-Offer---3-Things-A-Buyer-Should-Examine-About-a-Home-s-Exterior/4200320092003363997
Monday, September 17, 2007
Home Loans Has Made Home Buying Easy
Purchasing a home is the biggest investment anyone can make…the only reason why the entire home buying process becomes stressful for most of us. Especially when the states are Florida, Georgia, or Alabama, where increasing opportunities and increasing varieties of home loans, make it even more confusing for first-time homebuyers. Being prepared is of foremost importance. Added to the fact that you are witty and are ready to take the pain to be informed should make your home buying endeavor a memorable one.
First, decide upon your budget. This is the most important task because everything, staring from the type of house you plan to buy to getting a mortgage, depends on your budget. You may contact a few realtors with your requirements to get an idea about the real estate rates prevailing to make a budget accordingly. Especially when the states are as diverse as Alabama, Florida, or Georgia, real estate rates can be quite diverse, depending on the area, locality, and type of houses you choose.
You can come across many online realtors who can help you with Alabama home loan, Florida home loans, or Georgia home loans. Most realtors do have tie-ups with banks and other institutions offering Florida home loans, Alabama home loans, and Georgia home loans and can help you with everything, starting from helping you choose the best house to get the best home mortgage. Nevertheless taking the time to get your financing pre-approved before you go house shopping will make your home buying endeavor much easier and fun.
Myself webmaster of http://www.castlemortgagegroup.com dealing in all type of mortgage loans in Florida, Georgia & Alabama with home equity loans, Florida mortgage loans, refinance loans, constructions loans.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anirban_Bhattacharya
First, decide upon your budget. This is the most important task because everything, staring from the type of house you plan to buy to getting a mortgage, depends on your budget. You may contact a few realtors with your requirements to get an idea about the real estate rates prevailing to make a budget accordingly. Especially when the states are as diverse as Alabama, Florida, or Georgia, real estate rates can be quite diverse, depending on the area, locality, and type of houses you choose.
You can come across many online realtors who can help you with Alabama home loan, Florida home loans, or Georgia home loans. Most realtors do have tie-ups with banks and other institutions offering Florida home loans, Alabama home loans, and Georgia home loans and can help you with everything, starting from helping you choose the best house to get the best home mortgage. Nevertheless taking the time to get your financing pre-approved before you go house shopping will make your home buying endeavor much easier and fun.
Myself webmaster of http://www.castlemortgagegroup.com dealing in all type of mortgage loans in Florida, Georgia & Alabama with home equity loans, Florida mortgage loans, refinance loans, constructions loans.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anirban_Bhattacharya
Friday, September 14, 2007
Buying a Second Home in Spain
f you know where to look, Spain continues to offer sound investment opportunities in rural and inland areas.
History of Hospitality
Spain has had a long and proud history of embracing those that have chosen to reside on its extensive shores. Initially the Phoenicians settled along the Mediterranean developing trading ports - like Cartegena - that today still survive on a maritime economy. The Romans followed, then came the Visigoths, Arabs, Jews and Gypsies, all of whom have contributed intrinsically to Spain´s culturally confused heritage. But this fiery mixture of blood and passion marks this Iberian race with several unique characteristics: The Iberians are used to acting as hosts - voluntarily or not - and the Spanish people continue to extend a warmth and hospitality to travellers, despite the waves of mass tourism that crash endlessly upon these sun drenched shores.
Geography, Language and Climate
With 504,782 km², Spain is the world's 51st-largest country, somewhat bigger than the U.S. state of California. Although the main language is Castillian, along the French border alone, there are three different languages spoken. Nationally, there are at least four official languages and a handful of unofficial ones. Similarly varied is the climate: wet, cold and snowy in winter along the Atlantic north and, by contrast, warm, dry and sunny in the south during the same months. Inland Spain tends to be cold over winter and stiflingly hot during summer, hence the evacuation of Spanish cities during the month of August each year.
Attractions of Spain
The clement climate is undoubtedly one of the major factors stimulating the growing desire to buy properties in the warm southern regions. It was here that English speakers first settled and now English has now become the second language of the country and is being taught in schools and adult education establishments across the whole country. Initially this was for reasons of tourism, but now it is considered vital for careers in the world of technology and international commerce.
Quality of Life
Despite Spain's growing economy and full membership of the EEC, it is still a relatively cheap place to live outside the major cities of Barcelona and Madrid. Although property prices have risen, eating out and travel remain inexpensive. However, the best of what Spain has to offer is not for sale: It is a wealth that is carried in the blood of its people, its Moorish palaces, medieval castles, deep flamenco music from Andalucia. All of this and the endless fiestas that take place in every town, suggest a capacity to celebrate life in a way unmatched by any other European nation.
Corruption Publicity
Unfortunately, over the last year, the country has been the target of a lot of negative publicity regarding outbreaks of corruption in the lucrative Spanish property market and, as a consequence, many people are reconsidering the peninsula as a safe target for property investments. Overpricing of coastal flats and illegal housing estates have been publicised almost daily in the press. One of Spain´s main Digital Newspapers, 20Segundas frequently lists these controversial projects. But for the individual considering buying a house away from the speculative tourist havens on the coast, Spain still offers one of the most dramatic landscapes in which to live. Charming farms with olive groves are still to be found for sale are in the south and for those looking for better prices, the hills of Granada offer better pickings than those of the saturated Malaga province.
Climate, hospitality and a capacity for enjoyment still makes Spain one of the most attractive of choices for a second home.
http://buyingsellingahome.suite101.com/article.cfm/buying_a_country_home_in_spain
History of Hospitality
Spain has had a long and proud history of embracing those that have chosen to reside on its extensive shores. Initially the Phoenicians settled along the Mediterranean developing trading ports - like Cartegena - that today still survive on a maritime economy. The Romans followed, then came the Visigoths, Arabs, Jews and Gypsies, all of whom have contributed intrinsically to Spain´s culturally confused heritage. But this fiery mixture of blood and passion marks this Iberian race with several unique characteristics: The Iberians are used to acting as hosts - voluntarily or not - and the Spanish people continue to extend a warmth and hospitality to travellers, despite the waves of mass tourism that crash endlessly upon these sun drenched shores.
Geography, Language and Climate
With 504,782 km², Spain is the world's 51st-largest country, somewhat bigger than the U.S. state of California. Although the main language is Castillian, along the French border alone, there are three different languages spoken. Nationally, there are at least four official languages and a handful of unofficial ones. Similarly varied is the climate: wet, cold and snowy in winter along the Atlantic north and, by contrast, warm, dry and sunny in the south during the same months. Inland Spain tends to be cold over winter and stiflingly hot during summer, hence the evacuation of Spanish cities during the month of August each year.
Attractions of Spain
The clement climate is undoubtedly one of the major factors stimulating the growing desire to buy properties in the warm southern regions. It was here that English speakers first settled and now English has now become the second language of the country and is being taught in schools and adult education establishments across the whole country. Initially this was for reasons of tourism, but now it is considered vital for careers in the world of technology and international commerce.
Quality of Life
Despite Spain's growing economy and full membership of the EEC, it is still a relatively cheap place to live outside the major cities of Barcelona and Madrid. Although property prices have risen, eating out and travel remain inexpensive. However, the best of what Spain has to offer is not for sale: It is a wealth that is carried in the blood of its people, its Moorish palaces, medieval castles, deep flamenco music from Andalucia. All of this and the endless fiestas that take place in every town, suggest a capacity to celebrate life in a way unmatched by any other European nation.
Corruption Publicity
Unfortunately, over the last year, the country has been the target of a lot of negative publicity regarding outbreaks of corruption in the lucrative Spanish property market and, as a consequence, many people are reconsidering the peninsula as a safe target for property investments. Overpricing of coastal flats and illegal housing estates have been publicised almost daily in the press. One of Spain´s main Digital Newspapers, 20Segundas frequently lists these controversial projects. But for the individual considering buying a house away from the speculative tourist havens on the coast, Spain still offers one of the most dramatic landscapes in which to live. Charming farms with olive groves are still to be found for sale are in the south and for those looking for better prices, the hills of Granada offer better pickings than those of the saturated Malaga province.
Climate, hospitality and a capacity for enjoyment still makes Spain one of the most attractive of choices for a second home.
http://buyingsellingahome.suite101.com/article.cfm/buying_a_country_home_in_spain
Heavy Scents Hinder Home Sales
Avoid chemically scented products when selling your home.
We have become increasingly aware of respiratory issues and how our environmental surroundings effect it. However many people continue to use chemically scented products
It seems that we have a new obsession and it is not necessarily a good thing. We are inundated with images on television and magazines, of people trying to eliminate odours from there homes. Often the products described are strongly scented and can be over powering. The obsession has gotten to a point that it is affecting those individuals that are afflicted with respiratory problems.
As we become used to the scent of that air freshener we notice it less and less. In an attempt to retain what we feel is fresh air we ad products that are more heavily perfumed. Potpourri, plug-in air fresheners and aerosol sprays all compound the problems. These heavily scented products might trigger shortness of breath, scent allergies and asthma attacks.
As a society we are becoming more aware of environmental impacts on our health and surroundings. Yet many people continue to use these heavily scented products in their homes. The drawback to these products is that unknowingly people are alienating potential homebuyers.
Homebuyers are weary creatures and they are on the look out for any flaw in your home. Heavily scented products often set these homebuyers eye for flaws on high alert. They begin asking questions such as, what smell are they trying to cover up?
Allowing buyers to follow this line of thinking means they will be more critical of your home as they view it. Those with repertory issues may actually have to leave without ever having the opportunity to view your home. In essence you have inadvertently hindered the sale process.
If you absolutely must ad a scent to your home then use natural products instead of chemical scents, such as plug-ins, sprays and aerosols. Natural products tend to make your home seem more family oriented. The smell of baking allows potential buyers to imagine family meals. Homemade potpourri is subtle and will not overpower potential buyers with their scents. Coffee is pleasant because it allows you something that can be offered to potential homebuyers. Imagine strolling through a potential property as you relax with a warm cup of coffee, like you would in your own home.
So preferred products to scent your homes are Coffee, baked goods and homemade potpourri. These scents will assist people as they envision themselves in the home. Products to avoid are scented candles, perfumed products, plug-ins and products that contain chemical perfumes. As a final point, it is a good idea to leave adequate time prior to showings to ventilate rooms after chemical cleaners have been used.
http://buyingsellingahome.suite101.com/article.cfm/heavy_scents_hinder_home_sales
We have become increasingly aware of respiratory issues and how our environmental surroundings effect it. However many people continue to use chemically scented products
It seems that we have a new obsession and it is not necessarily a good thing. We are inundated with images on television and magazines, of people trying to eliminate odours from there homes. Often the products described are strongly scented and can be over powering. The obsession has gotten to a point that it is affecting those individuals that are afflicted with respiratory problems.
As we become used to the scent of that air freshener we notice it less and less. In an attempt to retain what we feel is fresh air we ad products that are more heavily perfumed. Potpourri, plug-in air fresheners and aerosol sprays all compound the problems. These heavily scented products might trigger shortness of breath, scent allergies and asthma attacks.
As a society we are becoming more aware of environmental impacts on our health and surroundings. Yet many people continue to use these heavily scented products in their homes. The drawback to these products is that unknowingly people are alienating potential homebuyers.
Homebuyers are weary creatures and they are on the look out for any flaw in your home. Heavily scented products often set these homebuyers eye for flaws on high alert. They begin asking questions such as, what smell are they trying to cover up?
Allowing buyers to follow this line of thinking means they will be more critical of your home as they view it. Those with repertory issues may actually have to leave without ever having the opportunity to view your home. In essence you have inadvertently hindered the sale process.
If you absolutely must ad a scent to your home then use natural products instead of chemical scents, such as plug-ins, sprays and aerosols. Natural products tend to make your home seem more family oriented. The smell of baking allows potential buyers to imagine family meals. Homemade potpourri is subtle and will not overpower potential buyers with their scents. Coffee is pleasant because it allows you something that can be offered to potential homebuyers. Imagine strolling through a potential property as you relax with a warm cup of coffee, like you would in your own home.
So preferred products to scent your homes are Coffee, baked goods and homemade potpourri. These scents will assist people as they envision themselves in the home. Products to avoid are scented candles, perfumed products, plug-ins and products that contain chemical perfumes. As a final point, it is a good idea to leave adequate time prior to showings to ventilate rooms after chemical cleaners have been used.
http://buyingsellingahome.suite101.com/article.cfm/heavy_scents_hinder_home_sales
Homeownership
Owning your own home is considered a fundamental right by most people, a natural progression into the world of independent living.
You can’t just wake up one morning, decide to buy a house and expect it to happen overnight. There are some steps you will need to follow to make your experience easier and more enjoyable.
Think things through. You can’t just jump headfirst into something as big as buying a house. There are some things you need to think about when deciding if homeownership is right for you.
§ What is your monthly and annual income?
§ Will you be able to afford a house payment plus utilities?
§ Will you be able to live by yourself or will you need 24-hour PCA care?
§ Do you want a roommate?
§ Where do you want to live?
§ Who will perform the upkeep?
Do your research. After you have thoroughly considered these and any other possible question that may pertain to your ability to purchase a home, start doing research. Research the different types of home loans available, and the programs that are specifically tailored to potential homeowners with disabilities. Some of these programs include HUD’s Housing Choice Vouchers, Fannie Mae HomeChoice and, in Pennsylvania, Keystone Home Loan Plus.
While you are researching home loans, it is a good idea to also research loans and/or grants that you can get to help make your new home accessible if need be. Most of these loans can be combined with the home loan and therefore can be available for use as soon as you buy your home. Many accessibility grants (money that you do not have to pay back) will not let you file an application and prequalify before you buy your house. This generally means that you must find at least a passably accessible house that will work for you until you can get grant. Contact your local CIL for more information on accessibility grants.
Begin the search. Start your search with the Yellow Pages. Find all the realtors in the area where you want to buy a home and find their web addresses (real estate agencies in the smallest towns usually have a website). Once you’ve browsed the listings different agencies have to offer, decide on one agency and meet with a realtor. Find one you like, get along with and trust will do the best job of helping you meet your needs.
In most areas, one realtor will be able to show you any home, regardless of the agency that the home is listed with. This makes the home buying process much easier on a buyer with a disability since one realtor can get to know you and your accessibility needs rather than trying to deal with five different realtors.
Be patient. Don’t expect your dream of owning a home to happen overnight. The home buying process takes a great deal of research, time and patience and can be overwhelming at times. But if you are persistent and don’t give up, you can achieve your dream and become a homeowner.
Happy hunting!
http://disabilities.suite101.com/article.cfm/homeownership
You can’t just wake up one morning, decide to buy a house and expect it to happen overnight. There are some steps you will need to follow to make your experience easier and more enjoyable.
Think things through. You can’t just jump headfirst into something as big as buying a house. There are some things you need to think about when deciding if homeownership is right for you.
§ What is your monthly and annual income?
§ Will you be able to afford a house payment plus utilities?
§ Will you be able to live by yourself or will you need 24-hour PCA care?
§ Do you want a roommate?
§ Where do you want to live?
§ Who will perform the upkeep?
Do your research. After you have thoroughly considered these and any other possible question that may pertain to your ability to purchase a home, start doing research. Research the different types of home loans available, and the programs that are specifically tailored to potential homeowners with disabilities. Some of these programs include HUD’s Housing Choice Vouchers, Fannie Mae HomeChoice and, in Pennsylvania, Keystone Home Loan Plus.
While you are researching home loans, it is a good idea to also research loans and/or grants that you can get to help make your new home accessible if need be. Most of these loans can be combined with the home loan and therefore can be available for use as soon as you buy your home. Many accessibility grants (money that you do not have to pay back) will not let you file an application and prequalify before you buy your house. This generally means that you must find at least a passably accessible house that will work for you until you can get grant. Contact your local CIL for more information on accessibility grants.
Begin the search. Start your search with the Yellow Pages. Find all the realtors in the area where you want to buy a home and find their web addresses (real estate agencies in the smallest towns usually have a website). Once you’ve browsed the listings different agencies have to offer, decide on one agency and meet with a realtor. Find one you like, get along with and trust will do the best job of helping you meet your needs.
In most areas, one realtor will be able to show you any home, regardless of the agency that the home is listed with. This makes the home buying process much easier on a buyer with a disability since one realtor can get to know you and your accessibility needs rather than trying to deal with five different realtors.
Be patient. Don’t expect your dream of owning a home to happen overnight. The home buying process takes a great deal of research, time and patience and can be overwhelming at times. But if you are persistent and don’t give up, you can achieve your dream and become a homeowner.
Happy hunting!
http://disabilities.suite101.com/article.cfm/homeownership
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