Dennis,
I would be glad to help you with your home buying needs. Please email me at kellysyouragent@gmail.com if you are still looking for an agent.

Kelly Iacovelli
Keller Williams Group One Sparks

Hello Dennis,
My partner and I have over 15 years experience working primarily with buyers. We are with Keller Williams which was voted by JD Powers as the #1 company for buyers agents. We work in the Reno/Sparks area. To set up an appointment , email me at kellysyouragent@gmail.com.

Excellent point Peter-

FHA loan requirements are very specific- they are set up to protect first time buyers from large unanticipated expenses during the first years of ownership. Not all homes qualify, so whomever you choose should either be well versed in FHA requirements or get well versed before you go out and make an offer on a home that will not pass.

Because of the wonderful protections in place to borrowers on FHA mortgages, I am very pleased that the loan amounts have been adjusted to cover homes in our area. Had we been able to put buyers in FHA mortgages in the last few years, I believe our foreclosure rate would be halved from what it is now.

Dear Dennis,
My partner and I represent 1st time buyers all the time and what you are going to spend on a home is never an issue. Every client has specific needs and if you get the feeling that you are a low priorty to an agent then find another, trust me there are plenty of us (agents) out there who would love to work with you.

Please be aware that FHA financing has some specific requirements and you need to be careful that you don't spend money on appraisals or inspections for homes that won't pass FHA guidelines. Be sure that the agent you select is up to speed on current FHA requirements.

Peter

Dennis,
Everthing Marilyn said is right, she always has good advice.
Something you may want to consider..is the USDA Rural Nevada Bond Program, it is designed for 1st time buyers and provides 100% financing. The program provides for "free' cash down payment grant equal to 4% of loan amount, low interest fixed rates. The homes in Cold Springs qualify for this program, but not other parts of Reno. Designed lenders are approved for this program. You can check out the program at http://www.nvrural.org.
I am currently representing first-time buyers with a purchase in Cold Springs, Woodland Village and they are using this program. They are purchasing a bank owned home and the bank is paying their closing costs. There are many nice homes, as we looked at about 8 of them in the area that are bank owned and this program sounds like it is perfect for you.
I wish you the best!
Sandra

Financing should not be a problem with any agent- you are a qualified buyer!

How do you find a good agent? Like anything else, interview, interview, interview!

good questions to ask - (and think about yourself)
What is the process you use to find a house for a buyer like myself?
What is in the contracts we are going to sign- that's one that will take a few hours
How often will you communicate with me and how? (e-mail, phone, text, what ever you would like)
What is going on today in the real estate market in different areas?
How do I buy an REO property?
What happens in a short sale?
How will you protect me during this process? I'm a first time buyer and I'm nervous.
What choices do I have to make besides liking the floor plan?

Believe me, if you interview a few agents, you will get widely different answers to these questions- and you will also learn a lot about how that agent runs their practice. So, then you can pick whom you feel most comfortable with.

Just because you know someone who is a Realtor doesn't mean you shouldn't interview them. If it's your brother, INTERVIEW them. More friendshps have been ruined through the realm of real estate than not.