Homebuyer FAQ’s

Is homeownership in my immediate future?

Being a homeowner undoubtedly comes with its own set of challenges, but the benefits can certainly outweigh those demands. Homeownership can surpass the benefits of renting, however everyone’s situation is unique. It’s very important to consult your REALTOR® when inquiring if it’s right for you.

If you’re thinking about purchasing a home, look at your circumstances in life. What’s your financial situation as it pertains to your debts, assets and your current lifestyle? Do you pay all your bills on time? What does your credit score mean? Is your credit score preventing your from buying? Do you have stable employment? Do you have money saved for a down payment on a home?

How much home can I afford?

Before you begin looking for homes, we highly recommend you contact your lender for an updated pre-approval. They should likewise provide for you a loan estimate form (formerly a good faith estimate). This form will help you understand the actual cost of the loan as well as give you a fairly accurate idea of what you can afford, based upon your current standing. A mortgage pre-approval will increase your attractiveness to sellers and show them you’re serious about buying their home.

Prior to contacting lenders, feel free to utilize our mortgage calculator.

Is it better to rent or buy?

Much ink has been spilled on this question over the years. While we certainly don’t want to oversimplify this response, it’s important to realize that many factors should go into making the right decision for you. We would suggest beginning with a pros and cons list for renting versus buying. Again, it’s very important to consult your REALTOR® when asking if homeownership is right for you.

Generally-speaking, renting gives the occupant the freedom from maintenance and home repair costs, no real estate taxes, flexibility to downsize or leave at the end of your lease, cheaper access to amenities, lower insurance costs, etc. Purchasing a home enables you to build equity, take advantage of tax benefits, in most cases – have fixed mortgage payments over a fluctuating lease (as rents increase) and allows the homeowner to do anything to their property (so long as there isn’t a homeowners association nor township/municipal ordinances with existing restrictions).

What’s a buyer’s representative and should I get one?

A buyer’s agent or buyer’s representative is an agent who’s an advocate for the homebuyer in a real estate transaction. A buyer’s agent owes fiduciary responsibility to their buyer-client, which includes confidentiality and loyalty. They must always protect their client’s best interests throughout the duration of the representation.

Without a business relationship with a buyer’s agent, you – as the buyer – are not being represented nor are your interests being protected. Thus, if you’re actively seeking a home to purchase, it’s critical that you hire the services of a buyer’s agent.

When you have an agency relationship with a buyer’s rep, the agent should provide the following:

Assistance with assessing the buyer’s needs
Directing the buyer to sources of financing and other professional services, if applicable
Directing the buyer to the source for information pertaining to school districts, neighborhoods, demographics and the like
Scheduling showings for the buyer
Helping the buyer to prioritize which properties and criteria in the home search process are a good fit
Explaining contracts, while helping the buyer to anticipate next steps
Proposing contract contingencies to protect the buyer
Negotiating on behalf of the buyer
Protecting all confidential information of the buyer
Overseeing the entire process, from beginning to end, assisting the buyer with any issues that might arise

What are the costs to hire a buyer’s agent to represent my best interests?

In almost all cases, the answer is nothing or little to nothing. Usually, when a home is listed for sale, the seller’s contract specifies the commission being offered to the buyer’s agency. This generally covers all or most of your representative’s compensation.

When I start shopping, what should I be looking for in a home?

This question is unique to each and every seller, but you should begin to make a list of what you need and what you can live without in your search. For instance, how much space do you need? How many bedrooms would be required for you and your family, both now and in the future?

As a buyer, you’ll want to be concerned about resale value. Does the home you are thinking about buying have characteristics that will most likely also be desirable to homebuyers years from now, if you need to sell. What issues or potential ones do you see? What’s the neighborhood like? What’s the school district like? Your REALTOR® can guide you in answering those questions or lead you to a home inspector or someone who has the answers.

Should I get that home inspected?

You’re not only buying the home you fell in love with, but also you’re purchasing any problems that come with it. All those things you can’t see or didn’t think about or didn’t even know existed can come back to haunt you, if you fail to take the proper steps in hiring a home inspector. Yes, there are occasions where a homebuyer finds themselves in a bidding war, where waiving a home inspection may be an incentive for the seller to take your offer over the others, but those cases are rare (and, if doing so, proceed with caution). A home inspection will bring awareness to any trouble areas, especially material defects in the home that will need to be addressed (if you’re proceeding with the sale).

Select a reputable, experienced inspector. Click here for more info.

What if I change my mind about my home purchase?

If a buyer is experiencing remorse about their purchase, chances are they would be forfeiting their earnest money deposit (the escrow monies put down to secure the offer). If there is a good reason to back out of the deal, such as an unsatisfactory home inspection or a property not appraising for the purchase price, then the buyer is free to walk away from the transaction and have their escrow deposit returned.

What constitutes residential property versus commercial property?

Generally speaking, residential properties are single-family homes. There’s also a classification of property “bridging the gap,” if you will, between residential and commercial investments. This property type is identified as multi-family (between two and four units). Any multi-family home or complex containing five or more units is considered commercial. The other seven commercial property types include land, office, retail, hospitality, mixed use, industrial and special purpose. Have more questions about commercial real estate? Find answers here.

Can you help me downsize?

Some of our customers have outgrown their homes. Perhaps it’s too much to maintain or it might be they’ve spent many years in a two-story and now desire single-level living. Our professionals work tirelessly to find the right fit for their clients looking to downsize and those looking to move on beyond retirement. Contact one of our agents who can best serve you in helping you determine what your current home is worth (you don’t want to overestimate its value), what it would cost for the new home you have in mind and determine what your closing costs will be. Here are additional resources, which might be a help to you:

Downsizing For Retirement

Resources For Aging Adults & Their Families

Growing Older At Home

Are there other housing options available?

On occasion, finding housing can be a challenge, even with the assistance of a real estate professional. On one hand, renting might be a better fit than purchasing a home. Still yet, there might be budgeting constraints and assistance needed for those seeking housing. And while our agents are superheroes in their own right, they can’t solve every problem. Here are additional resources, which might be of benefit to you:

Assisted Living in Pennsylvania

Scranton Housing Authority

HUD: Rental Help

Catholic Social Services

Homebuyer FAQ’s

Is homeownership in my immediate future?

How much home can I afford?

Is it better to rent or buy?

What’s a buyer’s representative and should I get one?

What are the costs to hire a buyer’s agent to represent my best interests?

When I start shopping, what should I be looking for in a home?

Should I get that home inspected?

What if I change my mind about my home purchase?

What constitutes residential property versus commercial property?

Can you help me downsize?

Are there other housing options available?

MLS On The Fly Debug Panel

No single property request sent on this page.

MLS On The Fly Debug Panel

MLS On The Fly Debug Panel