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Woman Of Integrity
"Sandra is a woman of integrity, dedicated in our search for a home that suited our family's needs and desires. She pointed out amenities and pitfalls. We have recommended Sandra to numerous people with my husband's company, Teledyne Brown Engineering."
Becky Soutullo, transferee from Huntsville, AL
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First Time Buyers >Affording A Home
Are you getting ready to buy your first home? It is important to know how much you can afford before you begin looking at properties. Talking with a lender and getting pre-approved for a loan puts you in a stronger negotiating position with sellers.
As a rule, your monthly housing costs should not exceed 28% of your monthly pre-tax income. These costs include the mortgage payment, real estate taxes, and insurance. If you have long-term debts, such as student loans or car payments, your monthly payments, including your housing costs, should be less than 36% of your pre-tax monthly income. Some loans, such as VA and FHA loans, are more flexible with these basic guidelines.
Depending on which type of mortgage you select, you can consider houses in various price ranges. An adjustable-rate mortgage will usually enable you to qualify for a higher loan amount. Your real estate agent can help you make the basic calculations. Remember that buying at the top end of your price range gives you more time to outgrow your home, and can save you money over the long term.
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| Q |
What home product makes lawn mowing easier than ever?
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| A |
The Robomow, a robot lawn mower manufactured in the UK by Friendly Machines, can cut 6,000 square yards of lawn all by itself. |
 See More Real Estate Trivia > |
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- NUMBER1EXPERT™ 
