jon

Roy,

Your new construction wish is a real long shot. The compromises in buying a home that new in your target price range and area are very significant.

Other than that your next issue is being in Ann Arbor to meet service providers and review the available homes. Hopefully you can make a trip soon.

UMCU has reasonable rates however they generally are not fast on anything. With your credit and asset situation you could probably save ~$1,200 by going with a lower cost but still credible lender. "Credible lender" is more important than rate, but with your situation you should be able to get both. One caution, many real estate brokerages in our market have captive lenders or marketing ties with lenders. You need to be cautious.

(I've been a UMCU member for 30 years and membership can often save you a lot on home owner's insurance.)

Many brokerages in our local market also have financial ties with title companies. The difference in fees can typically be about $275 to $325 in your target price range.

Our company is an Exclusive Buyer's Agency. That is a company who never represents sellers and never has the dual agency/designated agency conflicts of interest. It also allows us to provide specialized services.

If you read the fine print you'll see most companies in our market no longer provide buyer agency, they are limited to designated agency and dual agency.

We have buyer agents available now if you would like to speak to someone. We get very busy in the spring.

Good luck in your efforts, Ann Arbor is a wonderful town.

Jon Boyd
Broker/Manager
The Home Buyer's Agent of Ann Arbor
Nationally recognized home buying expert - Earlier today