Buying a home is probably the most significant financial commitment you'll ever make. Regardless of how times change, owning a home remains the cornerstone of the American dream.

To assist you in the process, Grangers Group has everything you need –– from a basic step-by-step overview to a property comparison checklist to home warranties and inspections. Whether you're a first time buyer or building your dream home, we'll help you through the entire home buying experience.

There are many advantages to owning a home, including:

1. Security - A feeling of security that comes from owning a home and the knowledge that your home is a safeguard against inflation.
2. Investment - Payments on your mortgage loan mean you are acquiring a major possession; instead of rent, you own more and more. The garden you plant, the permanent improvements you make - all enhance your way of living as well as the value of your home.
3. Tax Advantage - Your real estate taxes and the interest on your mortgage are deductible from your income tax.
4. Financial Independence - Most people start on the road to financial independence through home ownership. Your principal and interest payments remain the same for the full term of your mortgage while your rent usually goes up as the cost of living increases.
5. Environment - Your children grow up in the neighborhood of your choice.
6. Cash Equity - Better than a savings account, your home can appreciate to keep pace with inflation.
7. Satisfaction - Home ownership offers special advantages that make life more enjoyable - backyard barbecues, large family gatherings during holidays, a home workshop, a chance to enjoy your family's companionship in the privacy of your own home.

Making an Offer: Tips on making an offer on your new home.

1. Time for nervous anticipation. You've found the home you want, and need to act fast. Yet you want to be as calm and objective as possible. The expertise Grangers Group can give you at negotiating time is priceless.
2. Be prepared for counter offers. Don't let the pressure get to you. Remain patient, and let us act as your liaison with the seller or the seller's agent. You may need to be flexible on price, closing date, appliances and repairs
3. Contingencies: Beware of putting contingencies in your purchase agreement. They weaken your offer. However, if you currently own a home, your offer may need to be contingent on it selling. Or, if you're uncertain about the structural integrity of the home, you may want to have a home inspection contingency. Just be aware any contingency could take you out of the running if a non-contingent offer is presented.
4. Earnest Money: Once your offer is accepted, be prepared to seal the deal with earnest money. Earnest money is usually a percentage of the home's purchase price that indicates you're serious about the purchase and indicates your good faith. It's generally applied to the purchase price when you complete the purchase, but may be forfeited to the seller if you fail to complete the purchase. Contact Grangers Group to determine the amount of earnest money you should be prepared to pay based on your target home price.
5. Many first-time buyers are taken by surprise when it comes to earnest money, especially if they have to make a fast offer. Be sure to discuss with us the appropriate amount of earnest money you should be prepared to pay based on the price range of properties you're looking at. You should have this amount available in your checking account so you can write out an earnest money check on the day you sign your purchase agreement.

Home Inspection:

1. A professional home inspector surveys the foundation and structure, roof, exterior, major systems (electrical, heating, cooling and plumbing), and appliances that will stay with the home.
2. Tour the house with the inspector, who will point out potential trouble areas, as well as what's"sound."If the inspection does turn up some flaws, a seller is often willing to make repairs, but it may depend on market conditions.
3. Take notes as you tour. Get the inspection report in writing. This document will support or deny the contingency addendum to your agreement.
4. You can add a home inspection contingency to your purchase agreement. This requires the seller to make legitimate repairs - or if the seller is unwilling to do so, it allows you to cancel your agreement.
5. An inspection may take a few hours and cost a few hundred dollars, but it can save you time and headaches in the long run. We can recommend a professional inspector.

Homeowner's Insurance

Your home typically is the single biggest investment you'll ever make and by protecting it with homeowner's insurance you'll have financial protection against the unexpected. Aside from protecting your home and your possessions, it provides you with liability coverage.