Thought for Potential Buyers (1st of Many To Come)

So - you're thinking about buying a home. The market is full of opportunities. Prices are depressed. Sellers are motivated.

But.....

....before you get all excited, do yourself a favor - sit down with a good, reputable, local lender and discuss your credit-worthiness and financial ability to handle a mortgage. Most, if not all, lenders will be happy to put you through their "pre-approval/pre-qualification" process. This will involve gathering some preliminary financial information from you and "pulling" a credit report about you. Through this process, the lender will determine the price range of a home you might be able to purchase given your current financial situation.

With this information under your belt you can then begin to target your search for houses in your price range - or you might decide that you'll wait until you can strengthen your position and put off your search until later.

In either case, getting pre-approved/pre-qualified will give you information that will help you make a better decision.

PLEASE NOTE - most lenders will provide this service at no cost or obligation to you.