Aug 26, 2010 by MichaelS.Dunn.

The following is my response to an e-mail I recieved from a nice couple in Illinois. Their current home had lost about 50% of it’s value and they needed to move because of an expanding family and proximity to their work. Because they owe about $80,000 more than their house is currently worth, they needed advice on what their options were. Here was my reply that I thought might be helpful to others in a similar situation.

So, my first question would be…what’s the rental market like near you? If you think you can rent out your current house to cover the payments and other expenses (taxes, insurance, hoa dues, etc.) that could save you some financial pain, although it would mean becoming a landlord which can be a hassle of you don’t have the right tenants. If you were able to get a signed lease, the bank may include that as additional income to get you qualified for a loan to buy the new house. (Check with your lender to verify this…they all have their own way of doing things.) This method would prevent any credit score damage and foreclosure issues and still get you into your new place. In addition, You may be able to hold on to the house until the market improves and sell it then. Do some number crunching and look in the paper for rental rates in your area for a similar house. If there is any way that you can afford to do this, I think it is the best option.

If you decide you do not want to go the landlord route, or if you can’t get a new loan without selling the old house, then a short sale is definitely better than a foreclosure, although it will still hurt your credit a bit. A foreclosure is nasty, and makes it nearly impossible to get a mortgage for 5-7 years, as well as doing a number on your credit score. Then if the lender can’t sell the house for as much as the amount that was owed, they frequently come after you for the difference! I would definitely avoid this choice if at all possible.

A short sale on the other hand, although it does affect your credit score a little, does not have nearly as many negative repercussions. (Many experts are not sure how much short sales will affect scores, because they are relatively new situation that is just now becoming popular because of the economic situation we are all facing now. I’ve seen estimates from as little as 50 points to up to 200 points. Either way, your score can be brought up again relatively quickly if you stay on top of all of your other payments.) Most lenders will report the short sale as “settled for less than the amount owed” in your credit report. The big question is how will lenders look at this in the future. My guess is that because there are so many short sales now (1 out of every 3 home sales), if mortgage companies want to do any business in the future they are going to have to be pretty lenient when it comes to folks that have a short sale in their report.

The FHA or Federal Housing Authority, who is a governmental agency that insures many of the loans made to people buying their primary residence (No investment properties or vacation homes), requires a waiting period of only two years after a short sale to get approved for one of their loans. Most of the major lenders have guidelines that are close to this. (Wells Fargo says 3 years for example.) That being said, if you need to move now, it might be a good idea to get the new loan and complete the purchase of the new house before the short sale shows up on your credit report. The problem here is that you can get stuck with two mortgage payments for the time it takes to get the old house sold unless you do things in the right order.  

So this is where a good realtor and mortgage person come in. Things have to happen in a very particular order for this to work out. This is what I would recommend:

1.      Talk to a Realtor who has the SFR designation and one that you trust to handle this. (I can help you find someone qualified in your area if you would like.) Get your old house listed for sale at a price that the realtor thinks will get it sold in 30 to 60 days. Also have the realtor start the short sale process by sending in any financial info, the listing agreement and short sale application to your lender.

2.      Apply for a new loan and let the lender know that you will be selling your current house. It might be a good idea to go to a different lender than the one who owns the loan on your current house.

3.      Start looking for a new house

4.      Get an offer on your house AND get the bank to approve the short sale. Make SURE that you have something in writing from the lender that states that they will not pursue a deficiency judgment. Meaning that they will not come after you for the difference between the sale price and the amount owed. This is the most important part of the short sale. Sometimes they will ask you to sign a promissory note to pay off the difference. Always say no first. You can always go back and re-apply if they do not approve the sale without the promissory note.

5.      Put in an offer that works for you but make sure that the offer is CONTIGENT ON THE SUCCESSFUL CLOSING OF YOUR CURRENT RESIDENCE. Some sellers will not like this but many are taking whatever they can get in this market. Schedule the closing on the new house to be within a week of the closing on your old house. This way the short sale will not be on your credit report until after the new loan is already closed. Even better if you can have both closing on the same day.

6.      Confused yet? 

As far as getting approved for a short sale, banks are typically looking at these things:

1.      Is the house your primary residence? They have programs and incentives such as HAFA that makes it easier to get approved when it IS your primary residence.

2.      Do you have a legitimate financial hardship? In your case, if your income has not gone down, your argument is that you HAVE to move for your job and that you cannot afford two mortgage payments and can’t get the old house rented for enough to cover the payments. If they think that you can afford your current house and that relocation isn’t absolutely necessary, they will probably not approve the  short sale.

3.      Will the house go to foreclosure if they do not approve the short sale? For this they look at your financial information and your work situation to try to determine whether or not they think you could afford to keep making the payments. This is why being a little bit behind on payments (But no more than 3 months)  actually increases the chances of getting the short sale approved.

4.      Will the short sale cost the lender less than a foreclosure would? This one is really out of your hands, but typically the answer is yes because of the long, expensive process of doing a foreclosure. 

Another good option if you can’t get a loan to purchase a home is to consider renting for a short time. You could get into a house that suits your needs, in a location that you want, and still have the option of leasing or doing a short sale on your current home.

Hope this is helpful and doesn’t confuse you more! Feel free to call me with other questions or if you want me to find a realtor in your area.

-Mike

Posted in Tax and Financial info, Short Sale, Selling, Buying | No Comments »

Aug 16, 2010 by MichaelS.Dunn.

Home owners are more active in their communities, benefit from improved education opportunities, and report higher levels of self-esteem and happiness when compared to renters, according to leading research. A new report from the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, Social Benefits of Homeownership and Stable Housing, explores the impact of stable housing and the positive social outcomes resulting from homeownership.

“Homeownership is in investment in your future – home is where we make memories, build our lives and feel comfortable and secure,” said Vicki Cox Golder. “Owning a home has long-standing government support in this country because homeownership benefits individuals and families, strengthens our communities, and is integral to our nation’s economy.”

NAR’s study identifies research from government, industry, and academia that identified the relationship between homeownership and stable communities. Home owners move far less frequently than renters, and therefore are embedded into the same neighborhood and community for a longer amount of time. This allows for social cohesion, ultimately resulting in social benefits and stronger communities.

“REALTORS® care as much about keeping families in their homes as they do about helping them find the home of their dreams,” said Golder. “Social benefits do not arise solely from ownership, but also from greater housing stability and social ties associated with less frequent moves among home owners.”

Several research studies cited in the NAR report have found that homeownership has a significant impact on educational achievement. For instance, the decision by teenage students to stay in school is higher for those raised by parents who are homeowners compared to those whose parents are renters. Access to economic and educational opportunities are also more prevalent in neighborhoods with high rates of homeownership. Furthermore, studies have shown that changing schools frequently due to moving impacts negatively a child’s educational outcome.

Civic participation is another social benefit resulting from homeownership and stable housing. Home owners are proven to be more politically active and are more likely to vote in local elections compared to renters. In addition, homeowners have a higher membership in voluntary organizations.

Studies have shown that home owners are more likely to believe that they can do things as well as anyone else, and they self-report higher ratings on their physical health. “The research shows that home owners report higher self-esteem and happiness than renters, resulting in better overall health, both physically and psychologically,” said Golder.

When it comes to property, home owners have more invested both financially and emotionally. Property crimes affect home owners directly, but nonviolent property crimes can impact the property values of the entire neighborhood. Therefore, home owners are more motivated to deter crime by forming and implementing voluntary crime-prevention programs. In addition, it is easier for home owners to recognize perpetrators in stable neighborhoods because of extensive social ties. Unstable neighborhoods often display social disorganization which can lead to higher levels of crime.

Along with protecting their home and neighborhood from crime, home owners spend more time and money maintaining their home than renters. Neighbors also influence other home owners to improve their property, resulting in a better overall quality of the community.

“Homeownership certainly contributes to positive social outcomes, but those outcomes are truly a result of stable housing communities,” said Golder. “With strong social ties and a cohesive community, home owners can enjoy not only the long-term financial benefit of owning a home, but also a more satisfying life – which is what’s really at the heart of the American Dream.”

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Aug 16, 2010 by MichaelS.Dunn.

by Phoebe Chongchua 

While kitchens are still high on the interest list for buyers and homeowners, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) is reporting that remodeler survey respondents say that a bathroom remodel was one of their most common projects during the first six months of 2010–as much as 61 percent of their remodels were done on bathrooms.

“In previous years, kitchen remodeling was reported as the most common activity by more than 70 percent of remodeler respondents,” according to the NAHB news release.

NAHB reported that its Remodeling Market Index sunk to 40.7 from 47.9 in the first quarter. The survey also showed a decline in larger remodeling projects “such as room additions, whole house remodeling, bathroom additions, and second story additions. But NAHB is forecasting encouraging news. “While remodelers are continuing to struggle, we expect the rest of 2010 to be a period of stabilization for remodeling, with the first stages of recovery emerging by the end of the year, followed by a robust recovery beginning early next year,” said NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe.

However, these market conditions are making now the right time to take on remodeling projects that can not only increase comfort and functionality but also add value to your home.

No matter which room you’re going to remodel, doing your homework and knowing exactly what you want will save you not only money but also potential headaches. Things like checking references and visiting some of the recently remodeled projects are a great way to determine if the company you plant to hire will be suitable for your needs. Neglecting to do this could mean that you bring in the wrong company and, worst case scenario, a simple job turns into months of work and extra expenses.

Here are a few things to consider when remodeling. Some experts say, if you’re planning to stay in the home for five years, remodel it how you like. In other words, put in the countertops that make you happy–even if they’re not the most popular. Use the color paint that expresses your inner feelings. However, I always say, remember there’s a balance. If you remodel and create something that is so unusual, you may run the risk of it not appealing to the masses and therefore you will have to find the few that are searching for that particular look. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t design and decorate based on your likes, it’s just a matter of considering how the remodel will impact you when it comes time to sell the home and then choosing the best option for you for both short and long term.

1. Write it down. Just like your goals in life are more likely to come to fruition when first penciled out on paper, your ideas for your remodeling project also need to be clearly spelled out. When you do this you are able to clearly see which projects you want to tackle first, how much money you can afford/want to spend on the remodeling projects, and if your goals conflict with your ultimate objectives. You will find clarity by writing down what you hope to accomplish. This step alone can turn the project into a success from the start.

2. Slow down. Don’t rush into a project. If you just purchased a home, some experts recommend living in it a year before you start to knock out walls. Your taste and needs might change. Get to know your surroundings and then thoughtfully consult with design-build companies to help ensure the project’s success. Visit other people’s homes and see how they increased storage and used space-saving techniques in their design. I am frequently visiting remodeled homes and am amazed at the creative ideas that add functionality for the homeowner and aesthetic beauty.

3. Let there be light. Light and bright is a commonly used term when listing a home. It’s popular because it’s appealing to buyers. If you’re in the design phase of your remodel, especially for a bathroom–but other areas too, be sure to make sure that you will end up with enough light. The folks over at HouseLogic.com concur. Making lighting a priority. “When it comes to adding creature comforts, your first thoughts might be multiple shower heads and radiant-heat floors. But few items make a bathroom more satisfying than lighting designed for everyday grooming,” writes author and residential builder, John Rhia.

4. Keep it clean. One of my pet peeves is yucky bathroom air. Poor ventilation creates enormous problems in the future. Homes that were designed without bathroom windows that open can quickly develop mold, mildew, and stale air if there isn’t a very good ventilation system installed. High-quality bathroom fans help. These are often not thought of because they’re not obvious “fun toys” like heated floors, but bathroom ventilation systems that exhaust to the outside are vital. Consult with your remodeling expert for the best choice for your room.

Before beginning any remodel, talk to lots of experts, get all your ideas out on paper, and prioritize wants and needs. Taking the time and steps to create a plan with your hired experts will ensure your needs and desires are met in a timely fashion.

Published: August 6, 2010

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Jul 21, 2010 by MichaelS.Dunn.

Knowing how to read your good-faith estimate can help you save money on your home loan.

When you’re shopping for a mortgage loan, it’s sometimes hard to understand the jargon lenders use in the good-faith estimate explaining the costs and fees you’ll pay when taking out a mortgage.When you apply for a mortgage, the lender has three days to give you a good-faith estimate of the fees and interest rate you’ll pay, as well as other loan terms. Here are five tips for using the new three-page form to your advantage.

When you apply for a mortgage, the lender has three days to give you a good-faith estimate of the fees and interest rate you’ll pay, as well as other loan terms. Here are five tips for using the new three-page form to your advantage.

1. Know which fees can increase and by how much

In the past, lenders provided an estimate of the costs involved in getting your home loan, and if those costs rose by the time you closed on your home, tough luck. The good-faith estimate shows some fees the lender can’t change, like the loan origination fee that you pay to get a certain interest rate (commonly called points) and transfer costs.The form also lists the charges that can increase by up to 10%, like some title company fees and local government recording fees. The lender must cover any increase over that amount.Finally, the good-faith estimate lists the fees that can change without any limit, such as daily interest charges.

2. Look for answers to basic loan questions

In the summary section, lenders explain your loan’s terms in simple language. Can your interest rate rise? If so, a lender must spell out how much the rate can jump and what your new payment would be if it does. Can the amount you owe the lender increase, even if you make your payments on time? If it can, a lender must show you the potential increase.

3. Evaluate the “tradeoffs” on a loan

In the new “tradeoff table,” you can ask lenders to provide details on the tradeoffs you can make in choosing among home loans. If you’d like the same loan with lower settlement charges, how will the interest rate change? If you’d like a lower interest rate, how much will your settlement charges increase?

4. Compare apples to apples with the shopping chart

Included on the good-faith estimate is space for you to list all the terms and fees for four different loans, so you can make side-by-side comparisons.

5. Know what’s missing from the good-faith estimate

The new form lacks some key information, such as how much you’ll reimburse the sellers for property taxes they’ve already paid on the home. It also doesn’t tell you the amount of money you’ll have to bring to the closing table. Some lenders have created supplemental forms providing that information. If yours hasn’t, ask for it.

More on the new good-faith estimate form:

http://www.houselogic.com/articles/homebuyer-tax-credit-what-you-need-know/

 Other web resources

The new U.S. Housing and Urban Development good-faith estimate http://www.hud.gov/content/releases/goodfaithestimate.pdf 

More on shopping for a loan http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/ramh/res/Settlement-Booklet-January-6-REVISED.pdf

Posted in Buying, Mortgage | No Comments »

Jun 16, 2010 by MichaelS.Dunn.

This is my response to a question asking about programs for short sales and whether short sales were possible for investment property:

That program is called HAFA and is part of HAMP. That is: Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives act which is part of the Home Affordable Modification Program which was instituted with the agreement banks made to receive Tarp funds from the recovery program! Whew!

http://www.roaringforkproperty.com/foreclosure.html

Anyway, the program works really well for:

1. People who are upside down on their primary residence.

2. People who have had a legitimate financial hardship that has caused them to not be able to keep up with their payments.

Investment properties are tough to get approved, but you could always call the lender or apply for a Short Sale Approval. You can get this approval before you even list your property for sale. The lender will base their decision on two main things:

1. Whether they are convinced that you cannot afford to keep the property and whether it is imminent that it will lead to a foreclosure if they do not except a short sale and:

2. Whether that short sale or the foreclosure would be more costly to them.

It is really just a matter of whether the lender is convinced that they will have to foreclose and which alternative costs them the least.

A good article : http://www.businessweek.com/the_thread/hotproperty/archives/2007/03/the_new_exit_strategy_a_short_sale.html

My advice would be that if you can afford to keep up with the payments for another year or so then hold on to the properties. I think rental rates will start to come up within the next year, and home values will start to climb, very slowly, again in summer 2012. (Just a guess based on national inventory levels.) One other option if you just want to get out from under the place is a deed in lieu. Again the bank needs to be convinced that this is a property facing imminent foreclosure, and then there are times that they may just take a quit claim deed in return for a release from the debt.

If you are going to proceed with either course of action, make sure to let me know. I have specialized training in handling these and there are a lot of pitfalls to be avoided. Specifically, you want to make sure the bank not only releases the lien and the deed of trust(or mortgage) but also gives you a signed waiver of the deficiency so that they cannot go back after you for a judgment on the loss. The other fallout is the fact that the IRS will treat the portion of the debt that is forgiven as ordinary income unless it was on your primary residence. That can add up to a large tax bill for money you never even saw.

-Mike

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Jun 07, 2010 by MichaelS.Dunn.

Pending home sales have risen for three consecutive months, reflecting the broad impact of the home buyer tax credit and favorable housing affordability conditions, according to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.The Pending Home Sales Index, a forward-looking indicator, rose 6.0 percent to 110.9 based on contracts signed in April, from an upwardly revised 104.6 in March, and is 22.4 percent higher than April 2009 when it was 90.6. That follows gains of 7.1 percent in March and 8.3 percent in February.

Pending home sales are at the highest level since last October when the index reached 112.4 and first-time buyers were rushing to beat the initial deadline for the tax credit. The data reflects contracts and not closings, which usually occur with a lag time of one or two months.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said this second round of surging sales from the tax credit extension looks as strong as the original tax credit. “There were concerns that only a small pool of buyers were left to take advantage of the tax credit extension. But evidently the tax stimulus, combined with improved consumer confidence and low mortgage interest rates, are contributing to surging sales,” he said. “The housing market has to get back on its own feet and now appears to be in a good position to return to sustainable levels even without government stimulus, provided the economy continues to add jobs.”

NAR expects a net of 1 million additional jobs in the second half of this year and about 2 million in 2011.

“The home buyer tax credit brought close to 1 million additional buyers into the market, which is now helping the trade-up market and has significantly improved the inventory situation. This stabilized home prices more quickly and has preserved about $900 billion in home equity; in turn, that is keeping additional households from going underwater and risking foreclosure,” Yun said.

Pending Home Sales Index by region:

• Northeast: jumped 29.5 percent to 97.9 in April and is 24.5 percent above a year ago.
• Midwest: rose 4.1 percent to 104.2 and is 17.9 percent above April 2009.
• South: slipped 0.6 percent to an index of 123.9, but is 31.3 percent higher than a year ago.
• West: increased 7.5 percent to 107.9 and is 12.0 percent higher than April 2009.

“A big concern surfacing recently is insufficient time to close the deal at the settlement table. Under normal circumstances, two months would be enough time from contract signing to settlement date,” Yun said. “However, the recent housing cycle has brought long delays related to the short sales approval process by banks, and from ongoing appraisal issues.”

He added that there could be a sizable number of home buyers who responded to tax credit incentives, but may encounter problems meeting the settlement deadline by June 30. Because of these market challenges, NAR has asked Congress to provide flexibility on the deadline for closing.

Source: NAR

Posted in Market Data | 1 Comment »

May 21, 2010 by MichaelS.Dunn.

This is my reply to a question about short sales that I recieved a week ago. Thought it would be good info to share:

Hi ,

You’re in good company with the loan modification being denied. I just saw figures that indicated what a failure that program was. Only a small percentage of people that went through the entire application process actual had their loan successfully adjusted and in many cases the adjustment wasn’t enough to help and the homes went into foreclosure anyway.

The good news is that the short sale program with the new HAFA guidlines is working much better. I recently helped two different families get out from under upside down properties with a short sale and the process is much more stream-lined and efficient than it used to be.

Basically, how I handle short sales is to sit down with you and go over the financials and your expectations. If we decide that a short sale is the best option for you ( rather than a modification, deed in lieu, etc.), then I would want to list the property for sale at a price that we think it would sell  for relatively quickly, or in whatever time frame you need.

Then I prepare the short sale package and application to send in to the lenders. This is pretty intensive and needs to be done the way each bank wants it to maximize our chance of getting approval. The package will contain almost everything you submitted for the loan modification (so don’t throw any of that info out) plus some property and comparable information from me to help make a case for a low price.

Then there is usually a month long process of negotiations between myself and the lenders trying to determine who is going to be forgiving the debt and how much of a hit each lender will take. This is the tough part.Once we get approval from the lenders, they will usually tell us what price they will take as their bottom line and what needs to happen for them to accept the short sale in exchange for a release of the lien and the debt.

A couple of important things to keep in mind:

1.      A short sale is usually a much better alternative to a foreclosure for most owners. The short sale process does much less damage to your credit report and in many cases allows you to buy a new home relatively soon after the short sale.

2.      The short sale program works the best for owners who are selling their primary residence rather than an investment, rental or 2^nd home. There usually needs to be some form of hardship as well. (Reduced income, increase in living expenses, health care costs, etc.)

3.      You want to make sure that the bank does not pursue a deficiency judgment after the short sale is complete.

4.      You will likely not be able to make much money on this but again, it is much better than letting it go into foreclosure. The new HAFA program, which Wells Fargo, Chase, Bank of America and most of the large mortgage lending institutions are participating in, allows for up to $1500 to be paid to you from the lender at the time of closing if this property is your principal residence. ( My last client walked away with $980)

5. Make sure you are working with a realtor that has experience doing short sales. Ask them how many short sales they have closed. If they can’t tell you straight out, or they haven’t done any…keep looking. It is also good if the realtor has specific training for foreclosures/short sales, like those with the SFR designation. It is also a good idea to have an experienced attorney involved. 

I usually charge a % of the sale price for my services, which is paid from the proceeds that would otherwise go to the lender.

I would like to hear more from you, regarding whether this is your principal residence, how far behind on payments you are and what your goals are given this difficult situation.Please feel free to call me to discuss this further.

-Mike 

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May 17, 2010 by MichaelS.Dunn.

RISMEDIA, May 5, 2010—Pending home sales increased again in March 2010, affirming that a surge of home sales is unfolding for the spring home buying season, according to the National Association of Realtors®. The Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI) forward-looking indicator based on contracts signed in March, rose 5.3% to 102.9 from 97.7 in February, and is 21.1% above March 2009 when it was 85.0; this follows an 8.3% increase in February. The data reflects contracts and not closings, which usually occur with a lag time of one or two months.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said favorable affordability conditions have been working with the tax credit. “Clearly the home buyer tax credit has helped stabilize the market. In the months immediately following the expiration of the tax credit, we expect measurably lower sales,” he said. “Later in the second half of the year, and into 2011, home sales will likely become self-sustaining if the economy can add jobs at a respectable pace, and from a return of buyer demand as they see home values stabilizing.”

The PHSI in the Northeast declined 3.3% to 75.1 in March but remains 27.2% higher than March 2009. In the Midwest the index increased 1.2% to 98.9 and is 18.5% above a year ago. Pending home sales in the South jumped 12.7% to an index of 121.2, which is 28.3% higher than March 2009. In the West the index rose 1.9% to 99.9 and is 8.8% above a year ago.

“Another encouraging sign is the improvement in the availability for jumbo and second-home mortgages,” Yun said. “As bank balance sheets strengthen, it is just a matter of time before lending of non-government-backed mortgages steadily opens up.”

The National Association of Realtors, “The Voice for Real Estate,” is one of America’s largest trade associations, representing 1.1 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

The Pending Home Sales Index is a leading indicator for the housing sector, based on pending sales of existing homes. A sale is listed as pending when the contract has been signed but the transaction has not closed, though the sale usually is finalized within one or two months of signing.

The index is based on a large national sample, typically representing about 20% of transactions for existing-home sales. In developing the model for the index, it was demonstrated that the level of monthly sales-contract activity parallels the level of closed existing-home sales in the following two months. There is a closer relationship between annual index changes (from the same month a year earlier) and year-ago changes in sales performance than with month-to-month comparisons.

An index of 100 is equal to the average level of contract activity during 2001, which was the first year to be examined as well as the first of five consecutive record years for existing-home sales.

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May 08, 2010 by MichaelS.Dunn.

It’s a bit of a misnomer, since Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans are not loans at all. What they do is insure loans so that lenders can offer mortgage assistance to people who:

• Have fair or poor credit
• Have a low down payment (must have at least 3.5%)
• Have undergone bankruptcy
• Have been foreclosed on

Essentially, the federal government insures loans for FHA-approved lenders so that lenders reduce their risk of loss if they lend to borrowers who could default on their mortgage payments. The FHA program has been in place since the 1930s to help stimulate the housing market by making loans accessible and affordable. Traditionally, FHA loans have helped military families who return from war, the elderly, handicapped, or lower-income families, but really, anyone can get an FHA loan - they are not just for first-time home buyers.

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Apr 12, 2010 by MichaelS.Dunn.

Going solo - Buying a house is a complex transaction. It should be a team effort. You’ll need a real estate agent, lender, inspector, insurer, perhaps a lawyer and other team members to help you through each step of the way. Team build before you start the search.

Love at first sight - If you believe in fairy tales you probably shouldn’t be buying a home. You won’t live happily ever after if you emote your way through the home buying process. Your home should fit your real needs, not your yen for drama. Buy a home that fits your budget and your lifestyle. Be sure the home is in a community and neighborhood you desire. Visit neighborhoods several times before you buy to check out schools, noise and traffic patterns.

‘Loanless’ shopping - Being pre-qualified gives you a general idea of how much you can afford to borrow. It’s better to be pre-approved for a given loan. Sellers will take you more seriously. You’ll stay on budget.

Overbuying - Home buyers buying more than they could truly afford, in part, led to the collapse of the housing market. Buy more than you can afford and your dream home will become the same nightmare. Analyze all your monthly costs including debts, food, transportation, entertainment, and savings. Your total monthly debts, including your mortgage, should not exceed 36 percent of your income before taxes. Don’t forget to budget closing costs (often two to five percent of the home’s purchase price), plus moving, redecorating and maintenance. Look ahead and allow for increases in ongoing expenses such as utilities and taxes.

Misplaced trust - You are engaged in what’s likely your most valuable acquisition ever. It’s a business transaction. Ask family, friends, co-workers, professionals and others you trust for referrals, but don’t take their word for it. Vet your team members.

Accepting oral agreements - Get it in writing. The rate lock, the home inspection, disclosures, the contract. Always. Should a dispute arise, you’ve got the details documented.

Skipping the fine print - Understand what’s really in any document before picking up a pen. Get documents in advance, take time to read them and ask questions. Get copies of your mortgage and closing papers a few days ahead of closing.

Forgetting or betting on resale - Avoid buying a home that costs 50 percent more than neighboring homes. Reconsider buying the most expensive home on the block. Neighbors’ lower home values will weaken yours. Buy intending to flip your investment only to have the market fail means when it’s time to sell your price may not cover your costs.

Making an unconditional offer - Protect yourself with these contingencies:

• Mortgage financing: You may be preapproved but is the house? A formal appraisal confirms — or not — that there is sufficient value in the home to warrant the loan. If the house appraises lower than the sales price, the loan may be declined.

• Inspection: Never buy an existing or new home without a thorough home inspection. Walk through the home with the inspector to learn more about the house and any concerns he or she may have.

• Insurance: Confirm you can get adequate insurance coverage. In some areas, or following certain disasters, it can be difficult to get types of hazard insurance.

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