raemaeg

Paul,
You are likely not to see very many answers in regard to this post. As realtors we are bound by a very strict code of ethics and the federal fair housing act. Therefore, there is very little we can say. I have lived for 5 years in Southern Ontario, an hour from Toronto-the most ethnically diverse city in the world. I am familiar with some of the cultural differences you are alluding to. I would love to be of assistance to you in your search, however geographically this is not possible. If you need a referral to a local agent sensitive to your concerns please let me know and I will be happy to asist you.

Raegan Guelich
Prudential Fox & Roach-Doylestown
raeganguelich@prufoxroach.com
215-817-7185 - Mon Jun 9 2008, 07:31

Mike,
Some additional areas in the city that are holding and growing in value are the Art Museum Area and Brewerytown. What other sort of guidance would you be seeking? I would be interested to assist you in your search, but I would need a better idea of your specifications for a home. If you need anything further don't hesitate to contact me.

Raegan Guelich
Prudential Fox & Roach
215-817-7185
raegan.guelich@prufoxroach.com - Mon May 19 2008, 08:39

Allan,
I thought Andreas had a great answer for you in regards to the options available for your financing. VA is definitely something worth taking advantage of if you can get it. As some of the other answers eluded to, investing in real estate is a very solid decision. I get the impression you are quite anxious to get started with your search. Please contact me if you need any further guidance through the process, I also work with a great Mortgage guy.


Raegan Guelich
Prudential Fox & Roach
215-817-7185
raegan.guelich@prufoxroach.com - Mon May 19 2008, 08:25

There are lots of great options in Philadelphia as well as in the suburbs. Some neighbourhoods you should definitely focus on for more urban living would be Brewerytown and The Art Museum area which are two areas that have lots of options from townhomes to smaller single families with growing property values right near the downtown area. Actually, we are helping a young professional buy a condo in The Art Museum area. We've seen a lot of the inventory in the area and there are a few good options available and most are quite modern. Let us know if you would like any additional help or advice.

Raegan & Sydney Guelich
Prudential Fox & Roach
raegan.guelich@prufoxroach.com
sydney.guelich@prufoxroach.com
215-817-7185 - Thu May 1 2008, 11:29

Gigi,
This is a great question. I'm not a mortgage expert by any means, but I am quite familiar with the industry and the FHA loan. From the sounds of your financial situation you should definitely be able to get some sort of mortgage. I have used some of the calculators and found them pretty inaccurate at least in my situation, they were projecting about 50% of what I qualified for. I think the FHA loan would be a great option for you. They start with a 3% downpayment, so likely you wouldn't need your entire $10K. They finance up to $417K and are available to those without perfect credit. My office works with an outstanding in-house agency called Trident. They have many additional options available as well. Including a new program in which buyers with less than 20% down don't have to pay private mortgage insurance, which will save you a lot over the long term. Feel free to give me a call or e-mail if you would like a referral to a professional in the area.


Raegan & Sydney Guelich
Prudential Fox & Roach
raegan.guelich@prufoxroach.com
sydney.guelich@prufoxroach.com
215-817-7185 - Tue Apr 29 2008, 08:17