Things to know: Homebuying on the web

For anyone thinking about purchasing a home usually starts with the internet as the primary source for information. You will soon find that there is an overwhelming array of sources to chose from whether you are looking at pictures of homes or researching interest rates and potential mortgage payments!

It will become apparent as you begin moving further into the process and speaking with your realtor and loan officer, that not all the information on the web is ACCURATE!

Here are some things you need to know as follows:

1. The status of properties for sale on the web are NOT always accurate. It doesn't matter where you look on the web...no website provides more accurate information on a property than your realtor's MLS system.

2. Mortgage calculators are NOT accurate in estimating your potential monthly payment on a mortgage. These calculators do NOT take into account PITI (Principle, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance).

3. Never judge a book by it's cover! Depending on the pictures on the web to determine the condition of a property is a poor substitute to actually visiting a property.

4. Research upcoming developments in the neighborhood where you are thinking about purchasing. There is no substitute like local blogs and following up with local representatives and agencies about the status of development projects. Projects are always beginning and postponing due to external factors.

MY ADVICE:Take everything you read on the web at face value. ALWAYS follow up with a realtor and loan officer about questions regarding the homebuying process. Make sure you have all the information to make an informed decision!



Call me at 301-452-4767 if you have any real estate questions!