Buying or selling a home represents a milestone. The process should involve a professional realtor to source properties to suit your needs and to look out for your interests. As you think of engaging in the buying process, contact MACK Realty Group. Our fully licensed and credentialed agents subscribe to the highest standards of their profession and have local knowledge and a proven track record on the North Shore.

Your Mack Professional Realtor will:

• Take you to listings which fit your needs and budget
• Respect your privacy, holding in strict confidence your personal and financial information
• Introduce you to our Web site: and show you how it can work for you
• Notify you when appropriate properties come on the market and encourage you to sign up for daily e-mail property alerts
• Provide information on North Shore cities and towns and their resources
• Help you to recognize the value of properties in light of the market and location
• Share information about pre-approval, financing, legal representation, inspection - even moving
• Guide you step-by-step through bidding and negotiations
• Keep you apprised of the process as bidding and negotiating unfold

Before Buying:

Your first step in the process of buying a home is to determine how much you can afford to borrow. A basic rule of thumb is that a lender will want your monthly mortgage payment to be no more than 29% of your monthly gross income.

Mortgages and Home Buying Programs

There are many different kinds of mortgage programs available. It is best to do some research about the pros and cons of each program. Your MACK agent can help you understand the steps you will need to take, and can refer you to a reputable mortgage broker or service. There are also special home buying programs available from various organizations and many local governments that offer special home buying programs to help first-time home buyers and those in a lower income bracket. Become informed - you may be surprised to discover what you are eligible for!

Determine Your Search Criteria

Begin your home search by focusing on the location where you want to buy, and the amenities you want in a home. Make a check list and stick to it: price, location, traffic pattern, number of bedrooms and baths, separate family room, garage, stairs, finished basement. Look beyond the furnishings and small defects, and focus on the important items on your list.

Shopping for a Home

Your MACK real estate agent will supply you with listings, based on your search criteria. In order not to miss new listings, you are wise to sign up for daily property alerts on our web site. You may also search the Internet and ask your MACK agent to arrange showings for you. Reading the real estate section of your local newspaper, or driving around neighborhoods that interest you is also a viable strategy. It is important to see as many open houses as possible, so that you can develop an understanding of the market and get a solid idea of what is available in your price range.

The Home Inspection

Once you have made an offer on a home, you will need to schedule a home inspection conducted by an independent authorized inspector. Ask your MACK agent for a selection of authorized professionals. If you are satisfied with the results of the inspection, you may then proceed to the Purchase and Sales agreement. If the inspector finds problems with the property, you may want to ask your agent to help you negotiate with the seller to lower the price, or to pay for recommended repairs.

Appraisal

Your lender will require you to get an appraisal of the property to make certain it is worth the money you are borrowing. You may select your own appraiser, or you may ask your MACK real estate agent to help select an authorized appraiser.

Homeowner's Insurance

Lenders require that you have homeowners insurance to protect both your interests and theirs. Like everything else, be sure to shop around for insurance that fits your needs.

Settlement or Closing

Finally, you are ready for the closing. Be sure to read everything before you sign! You should have both your real estate agent and legal representation present at the closing to ensure that all is in order.