Hi Shenika,

You are doing all the right things, understanding the financing programs available to you is a great first step. I am a real estate agent in Camden County and would be happy to meet with you to give you some more information and answer any additional questions. I also work with a great lending team at Washington Mutual, they have a teacher's program, I can provide you their information to assist in your research and decision efforts. You can email me at heather-lynch@comcast.net if interested. Thank you and best of luck!

Mon Dec 10 2007, 07:49

Thanks Deborah . . . as I see it Shenika, the key here is being an "educated consumer" . . . you don't have to know more than the mortgage contact or more than the Realtor, but know just enough to be able to feel comfortable that these contacts know more than you!

Finally, thanks for being there for our children. Your home buying incentives are well deserved.

Sincerely,
Francesca

Sun Dec 9 2007, 09:06

Hi,
I agree w/ Francesca....currently you can start doing some online searches for properties either through Trulia, Realtor.com, or agent/broker websites and start becoming familar with the real estate offerings in your area of interest.

Work w/ a loan officer who is experienced with these types of loans. There are special programs for teachers and you want someone who is already familiar. It is important that your lender give you giudiance on price points of homes that will work for you. The lender can work w/ any Realtor you choose. Work on getting prequalified, it will help you in defining your search criteria.

Good Luck
Deborah

Sun Dec 9 2007, 00:53

UHHH, CORRECDTIONS TO THIS MESS: Would you determine your "buying power" you will be ready to work with a realtor. However, will doing that work you can start having a realtor email you available properties or you can use Realtor.com to start looking on your own while working with the mortgage contacts.
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Once you determine your "buying power" you will be ready to work with a realtor. In the alternative, u can also have a realtor start emailing you available properties or you can use Realtor.com to start looking on your own while working with the mortgage contacts.

Sat Dec 8 2007, 21:56

Congratulations on your decision to take this big step; real estate is an investment that most do not regret. I would contact 3 different mortgage lenders/brokers AND do a bit of investing on those programs yourself. You want to test their knowledge by having some knowledge of your own about the programs that interest you. This will also help you to determine which mortgage contact you will feel most comfortable working with in the future.

Would you determine your "buying power" you will be ready to work with a realtor. However, will doing that work you can start having a realtor email you available properties or you can use Realtor.com to start looking on your own while working with the mortgage contacts.

If you need help with some local mortgage contacts, click on the link below and email me. I will provide you with multiple contacts. This is not a solicitation of your business as I do not do business in Camden, although I am familiar with its revitalization.

Good luck!

Sat Dec 8 2007, 21:54

I'd start with a mortgage broker or lender to see how much you qualify for. An experienced lender should be familar with these programs and help you. Once you are pre-qualified, contact a local Realtor to help you find a home in your price range. Ask family and friends for names of Realtors they have worked with. It's a great time to buy. Good luck!

Sat Dec 8 2007, 21:37