Homebuyer FAQs

Home Avenue can enroll you in the MLS auto email service that will keep you informed in real time of all new listings. Click here to enroll.

Yes. We are a member of the local MLS and upload ALL MLS listings in realtime to our website.

When using a Home Avenue agent to represent you in the purchase of your next home we will rebate you part of the commission that we receive from the seller. Click here for details.

Yes. If you have not had contact with a Realtor from the brokerage we will refer you to an agent and collect a referral fee at closing. Home Avenue will give you 50% of the fee that we receive which may be thousands of dollars.

YES. This is strongly suggested and can help you understand how much you can afford and exactly what costs are associated with buying a home. If you are a first time home buyer, there are many first time home buyer programs available.

Pre-approval means that you have been officially approved for a certain loan amount by a lending institution. Pre-qualification is an initial indication of your likelihood of being granted a loan.

When buying a home, it is strongly recommended you have a Realtor. They will walk you through every part of the home buying process, educate and inform you of all options and will represent you throughout the transaction.

You will not be able to use our services if you are already working with another agent. If you are unsatisfied with your current agent you can end your relationship and use a HomeAvenue Agent.

YES. There are many great home buying programs you can look into including VA loans, USDA loans, and FHA loans.

Talk with several lenders before you decide. Most lenders will need 3 to 6 weeks for the whole loan approval process. Different lenders can offer different interest rates and loan fees and as you know, a lower interest rate can make a big difference in how much you can afford. You can finance a home with a loan from a bank, a savings and loan, a credit union, a private mortgage company, or various state government lenders.

There is not a set number of houses you should see before you decide. Visit as many as it takes to find the one you want. On average, homebuyers see 15 houses before choosing. Just make sure to communicate often with your real estate agent about everything you are looking for.

You have the option to perform several types of inspections. The purchase offer you write can be contingent upon satisfactory home inspection, pest inspection, radon test, and many other inspections. It is usually recommended that when buying a home you at least have a home inspection.

The inspector checks the safety of your potential new home and will then make you aware of any repairs that are needed. The inspectors main focus is on the structure, construction and mechanical systems of the house. Be sure to hire a home inspector that is qualified and experienced.

It is not required, but it is recommended. Following the inspection, the home inspector will be able to answer any questions about the report and specify problem areas.

When a buyer purchases a home, they provide the seller’s real estate company with a deposit to hold in their escrow account. The primary purpose of this deposit is to show the seller you are serious about purchasing their home. The amount that is deposited is subtracted from the final figure that a buyer pays at the closing table.

We recommend that you schedule a final walk through to ensure that the home is in the same condition as it was at time of the purchase agreement. During the walk through you can ensure that things are in working order, i.e. furnace, toilets are flushing properly, hot water is working, etc.

It is important to understand the closing date in the purchase offer is a target, not a guarantee. Before you hire movers and take time off work, know that the closing date in the contract is not necessarily the date you will own your new home. The Title Companies or attorney’s are the ones who have to set the closing date and time.

At closing you sign all of the loan and ownership paperwork and will be responsible for taking care of some closing costs.