Thanks everyone for your insight! It's given a greater confidence. We are definitely in the market and hope to find a great ready to move in starter home asap! If there are any Aiken realtors reading that would like to help, feel free to post back or email me! We are looking for 3bd/2bt (atleast), over 1200 sqft, hdwd floors, fenced bkyd, need appliances, preferably newer windows/hvac, and in the 80K range! Oh yah, it'd be nice to have lots of room in the bkyd for our dogs! Thanks for all your replys! sarah_batson@yahoo.com

i am a FHA aproved broker and can get you a loan of up to $277,000 providing your monthly payment is less than $1667 a month. it is a great time to buy , with rates as low as 5.25% you can not go wrong. feel free to contact me at mortgage18@optonline.net

I am an agent in Aiken so I know all about the market here. Did you know about all the new jobs at the site over the next few years? I think that this could significantly affect the prices here so it is definitely a good time to buy a home of your own, and a very good investment.
I think that all of the other answers are good. I am a firm believer in home ownership, and not just because of my profession! I bought my first home when I was 19, and I always advise people to get on the home ownership ladder as soon as possible. There is no greater investment and you get to live in it ! Rent money is lost, mortgage money is building your future and giving you a home that you can do whatever you like with.
You are also in a very good position financially. Preapproved loans are not so easy to come by these days!
I would love to have the opportunity to talk to you further about this, but meanwhile take a look at our website http://www.aikenfinehomes.com. You can search the whole area from there.
Deborah Pira

It is really dependent on you and your husbands goals/plans for the future. There are many factors to be considered and talked about with each other and a real estate professional who cares about helping you decide the best thing to do.

YEAH everyday is a great day purchase do you realize you receive ANNUAL tax benefits owning a home? home value increases in most instances and areas. Why make the land lord rich you can own ...

National Featured Realtor and Consultant, Mortgage Loan Officer, Credit Repair Lecturer
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Lynn911

Batson,
That is the question! It is always better to buy than to rent!Now, 1st time buyers and those who have not owned a home in 3 years, can apply for the $8000 tax stimulus money through the Federal Government.You must settle by Dec.1 2009 and of course qualify with their income requirements. and the best part of the program is that you do not have to pay the money back!
If you own your own home,you can paint the rooms what ever color you want, you can even wallpaper the ceiling if you want that too! However ,the best part about buying a home is that it is yours! Now some of the plusses are .... you will get a tax write off for interest and taxes paid. If you talk to an accountant you can even increase your tax exemptions to help offset your monthly payment.You will build up equity in your home as long as you hold onto it for a little while.Eventually, the market will change and become a sellers market again. I've been in the real estate business since l977, so I have seen buyers and sellers market several times! Low interest rates and low prices are the ideal time to buy! If the rates go up, buyers qualify for much less of a house and it could push you out of the market.
A suggestion would be to try to find a home with a lower level than in the event, money is tight you might consider renting out the lower level!
So, go out and buy now and enjoy your new home!
Donna

Batson,

Have you checked the "foreclosure" market thououghly. There are potentially great opportunities to save and purchase property for pennies on the dollar. Of course this also depends on the location you are looking in and your flrxibility.

A real estate professional will be able to provide you with the information you require to be able to move forward and persue your dream.

The only mistake you can make is one of not exploring your options and trying to make it happen.

Best wishes,
The Eckler Team
Michael Saunders & Company