Buying a home calls for many informed decisions and for good advice from a real estate professional. When buying a home, here's how our knowledge and skills can help:

• We can help you determine how much home you can actually afford. Sometimes we can suggest additional ways to accrue the down payment. We can explain alternative financing methods.

• We can help you work out a realistic idea of the home best suited to your needs: Size, style, features, it's location, accessibility to schools, transportation and shopping.

• We can help you evaluate each listing in terms of your needs and affordability. We won't waste your time on unsuitable homes.

• We can often suggest simple, imaginative changes that could make a home more suitable for you, and improve it's utility and value.

• We can supply information on real estate values, taxes, utility costs, municipal services and facilities.

• We have no emotional ties to the homes, and can be objective about them. We can point out advantages and disadvantages while answering your questions.

• We act as a liaison between you and the seller, to present offers and counter-offers until an agreement is reached.

• We know the current money market and can explain the details of financing or can refer you to a loan officer.

• We can advise you what personal and financial data to bring when you apply for a loan.

• We can help you arrange for professional inspections to determine the structural condition of the home and its major components. We can then help objectively analyze the results of any professional inspections.

• We will familiarize you with the escrow process by explaining it all in advance. We will carefully follow up on all of the details for you. We will keep you well informed throughout the escrow process.