Rochester NY Real Estate

Become a Preferred Home Buyer in Penfield and Webster NY

When you begin house-hunting, it will help you narrow down the homes that you consider if you know how much you can afford to pay. You can do that by getting prequalified, or you can take the process one step further by getting preapproved.

Many people get confused by these terms and think they mean the same thing, when actually they are quite different. Being prequalified doesn't mean that you have a commitment from a lender; it's merely an indication of how much home you can afford. The preapproval process, on the other hand, is more in depth. Being prequalified means a lender has evaluated your income, monthly debt, employment and available down payment to determine the best loan for you and the amount for which you would likely qualify.

When you are preapproved, you actually have a lender's written commitment to grant a loan once certain conditions have been met. For example, you will have to obtain a purchase contract to receive the money, as well as a satisfactory appraisal and a clear title report.

You can get preapproved even before you begin the house-hunting process. In some cases, the mortgage broker will honor the commitment for up to three months.

Sellers in Penfield and Webster NY will likely view you as a preferred buyer if you are preapproved because they won't have to wonder if you will be able to obtain financing. If a seller receives an offer from you with preapproval and one from a buyer who does not have financing, your offer is likely to get stronger consideration.

Call me if you have more questions. I would be happy to clarify the home buying and selling process and help with all of your real estate needs.

Make Your Mantle a Masterpiece

A mantle can be the place where you highlight treasured family photos; it can also be a show-stopping focal point for your room. Whether you like minimalistic design or prefer to be surrounded with your favorite objects, here are some ideas to help you decorate your mantle:

· Go bold. If you tend to use neutral colors for your walls and furnishings, you can make your mantle really stand out by adding a bright "pop" of color. Consider using a vase of crimson tulips, a bowl of sunny citrus fruits or an array of colorful glass bottles.

· To balance or not to balance. If you like traditional décor, you might like a symmetrical look for your mantle. Try hanging a large painting, photo or mirror centered above your fireplace, then arrange a set of candlesticks, books or other matching knick-knacks on either end. But if you prefer to be a little different, go for an asymmetric look by using the decorator's rule of "three to one." According to this rule, artfully group three similar (but not the same) objects at one end of your mantle, then place one large object at the other end.

· Show off those photos. Select photos of friends, family and pets, then place them in a variety of frames. Mix shapes, styles and colors. Try to coordinate colors in the photos with the frames for a sophisticated, finished look.