Buying a home can seem like a daunting process. With the wide variety of information readily available on the internet it is easy to be left wondering what is true and what is not. Let’s take a look at a few of the prevailing myths about purchasing a home that may be holding you back from taking the first steps towards owning a home.

Myth 1: Owning a home is more expensive than renting. Mortgage rates are at all time lows making home ownership more affordable than ever before while rental prices are on the rise. It is true that owning your own home will mean that you are responsible for repairs but in exchange for that you gain the freedom to make your own choices about your living space.

Myth 2: You have to have perfect credit to buy a home. It is correct that the higher your credit score the more options you will have in choosing a mortgage. However, having a score in the lower ranges does not mean it is impossible to obtain a loan. If you are thinking of a purchase talking with a lender will help you to navigate your credit report and verify the loan options that are available to you.

Myth 3: You must have a 20% down payment. Sure, having a large down payment will lower your payments but is not always necessary. Many loan programs are available that will allow as little as a 3.5% or in some cases no down payment. We recommend talking with your lender about options such as an FHA or Rural Development loan.

Myth 4: Getting a mortgage is too complicated. Although lending guidelines have gotten tighter than they used to be, with the help of your lender and your real estate agent navigating the process is made much easier. There are some hoops to jump through and it may seem that your lender is asking for an endless supply of documentation but your agent and lender will assist you in making sense of it all and getting you to a successful closing on your home.

Myth 5: Foreclosures need a lot of work. Though some foreclosed homes are left in a state of disrepair this is certainly not the rule. Your agent will assist you with obtaining home inspections to determine the true condition of the property. In many cases you will find that like other homes a foreclosure just needs a little TLC. If the inspection reveals major items that need repaired your agent will be looking out for your best interests and help you negotiate through the inspection results.

Myth 6: Buying a foreclosure will get me a huge discount. Yes, the banks are looking to thin their inventory but they are also trying to protect their interests as well. Though some foreclosed properties are offered at lower than market value prices this is not always the case. The bank obtains a market analysis of the property and sometimes a full appraisal prior to listing it on the market and price it accordingly to see what the market will bear. In most cases the bank would prefer to lower the price in small increments until they obtain a reasonable offer rather than accept a cut rate offer.

Myth 7: The perfect home is out there if I just keep looking. Homes are a lot like people, none are perfect in every way but when we love them we accept the flaws. When you step into the house that is right for you for the first time you will know it. Prior to viewing homes make a list of the things that are most important to you in a home and of what things would be a deal breaker. Once you have an accepted offer we encourage you to have a home inspection which will reveal if any of your deal breaker items exist or if there are simple maintenance items that you are willing to address so that you do not lose the opportunity of owning the home that was meant for you.

The goal of our team is to make your home buying process as easy and stress free as possible. Armed with a great agent and accurate advice you will find the home that is right for you and be at the closing table before you know it. Take some time at to see the wide variety of homes that are available and when you are ready to take the next step we are available to assist with every aspect of the process.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Listings:

View City Lights Against The Mountains Absolutely amazing views of downtown Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Incredible close up night lights view, you can actually see people on the sidewalks with a dramatic mountain backdrop. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $359,900 Get more information >

180 Degree Mountain & City Light Views $14,300 rental income in 2010 with 2011 already ahead at $14,500 through October. Very private ridgetop retreat w/ wraparound covered deck that has amazing 180 degree views of the mountains & city lights. Type: Single Family Home Location: Price: $189,900 Get more information >

Mount Leconte Views Beautiful mountain home with view, wrap around decks, updates throughout including kitchen, new appliances, quartz counter tops and glass tile back splash. Great for permanent residence or rental. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $239,900 Get more information >