2. Develop your home wish list.

Be honest about which features you must have and which you’d like to have. Handicap accessibility for an aging parent or special needs child is a must. Granite countertops and stainless steel appliances are in the bonus category. Come up with your top-five must-haves and top-five wants to help you focus your search and make a logical, rather than emotional, choice when home shopping.

Make a list of your top-five community priorities, such as commute time, schools, and recreational facilities. Ask your REALTOR® to help you identify three to four target neighborhoods based on your priorities.

We can cater your search to your individual needs!

4. Start saving.

Have you saved enough money to qualify for a mortgage and cover your down payment? Ideally, you should have 20% of the purchase price set aside for a down payment, but some lenders allow as little as 5% down. A small down payment preserves your savings for emergencies.

However, the lower your down payment, the higher the loan amount you’ll need to qualify for, and if you still qualify, the higher your monthly payment. Your down payment size can also influence your interest rate and the type of loan you can get.

There are also programs with 3 ½ percent down and some with no down payment.

Finally, if your down payment is less than 20%, you’ll be required to purchase private mortgage insurance. Depending on the size of your loan, PMI can add hundreds to your monthly payment. Check with your state and local government for mortgage and down payment assistance programs for first-time buyers.

5. Ask about all the costs before you sign.

A down payment is just one home buying cost. Your REALTOR® can tell you what other costs buyers commonly pay in your area—including home inspections, attorneys’ fees, and transfer fees of 2% to 3% of the home price. Tally up the extras you’ll also want to buy after you move-in, such as window coverings and patio furniture for your new yard.

6. Get your credit in order.

A credit report details your borrowing history, including any late payments and bad debts, and typically includes a credit score. Lenders lean heavily on your to lend for a home. Most require a minimum credit score of 620 for a home mortgage.

You’re entitled to

Meet with a lender to get a prequalification letter that says how much house you’re qualified to buy. Start gathering the paperwork your lender says it needs. Most want to see W-2 forms verifying your employment and income, copies of pay stubs, and two to four months of banking statements.

If you’re self-employed, you’ll need your current profit and loss statement, a current balance sheet, and personal and business income tax returns for the previous two years.

Consider your financing options. The longer the loan, the smaller your monthly payment. Fixed-rate mortgages offer payment certainty; an adjustable-rate mortgage offers a lower monthly payment. However, an adjustable-rate mortgage may adjust dramatically. Be sure to calculate your affordability at both the lowest and highest possible ARM rate.

There has been a price reduction on 2752 Kent Drive. The new price is $189,000!

417 Kempton Drive is newly renovated and in an established subdivision. The entire home is freshly painted with new carpet and newly refinished hardwood floors. Has an spectacular kitchen with new granite/tile back splash. Has a breath taking sun room with grand windows overlooking mature tree line and wood deck. Has a family room with built ins and tremendous moldings. Inlaid hardwood floors help to accent the large formal areas. Formal dining room is grand enough for a banquet. 4 bedrooms 2 baths and 1 half baths.

249 Blount Street is a charming home in a great location! Churches, shopping, and restaurants are in walking distance. This home has a open plan with large kitchen with a separate dining room! This home contains a screened porch, walk-in closets, 3 bedrooms and two baths. It was custom built for builders son. Very well maintained. A must see!! It is simply beautiful. The screen porch gets great summertime shade!

This is an exceptional home located near Pitt County Memorial Hospital. 4 large bedrooms, open family room and kitchen. This home is ideal for a large family or young career on the moe. Freshley painted. Perfect Condition.

This is a beautiful spacious home with the master on the first floor! It has an oversized unfinnished bonus room, it is move-in ready, 3 beddrooms plus a loft area perfect for a study/office area. It is on a large corner lot.

3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms and 1 half bath.

618 Ashley Meadows Drive Winterville, NC 28590

AMAZING ONE LEVEL HOME. IMMACULTAE CONDITION. LARGE GREAT ROOM W/CATHEDRAL CEILING OPEN TO THE BREAKFAST AREA & KITCHEN. KITCHEN HAS GRANITE TRANSFORMATION COUNTERTOPS & SINK. LOTS OF CABINETS & COUNTERTOP SPACE. FORMAL DINING ROOM W/HARDWOOD FLOORS. LARGE MASTER BEDROOM W/WALK IN CLOSET, CATHEDRAL CEILING, DOUBLE VANITIES, SHOWER & WHIRLPOOL TUB, SPLIT FLOOR PLAN ALLOWS FOR GREAT PRIVACY. 3 BEDROOMS & 2 BATHROOMS

This home is an up and coming university adjacent neighborhood! It is an investors gold mine! This home is in great condition, and it is move in ready. The location of this home is close enough to walk to ecu's campus and home football games. It has three bedrooms, and a large kitchen with all appliances.

RE/MAX and the 2009-2010 Homebuyer Tax Credit

There has been a price reduction on 1408 Draft Court. The new price is $249,000.

RE/MAX Agents Help Homeowners Avoid Foreclosure with Short Sales

There has been a price reduction on 2547 Lance Drive. The new price is $259,900.

This exceptional home has something to offer the entire family! It has and over sized backyard, screened porch, first floor master, large eat-in kitchen, newly remodeled master bathroom, and a two car garage! Upstairs is a great area for the kids with 2 bedrooms, large bonus room and their own bathroom. Quiet evenings can be enjoyed on the rear screened porch on the relaxing covered front porch. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and 1 half bath.

116 Mildred Drive Ayden, NC 28513

This is an completely remodeled home, with all new flooring, paint, and fixtures! Kitchen and bathroom sparkle like a new home!! Its a brick home with a great size yard and a large deck. It is an open plan with a laundry room. It has a new side by side refrigerator and new smooth top range. This home has 3 bedrooms & 2 Baths!

2217 Unit: G Locksley Woods Drive Greenville, NC 27858

A well kept condo with a wonderful pond view. It has two bedrooms and two full baths. The master has a whirlpool and a separate shower. This condominium is one that you do not want to miss!!