News Briefs
Stay up to date on current News & Issues.
Bucks County -
Doylestown Township appoints new supervisor
Chester County -
Oxford reviews new law aimed at disruptive renters
Delaware County -
Chester is giving future homeowners a reason to buy a house in the city
Montgomery County -
Montgomery Township named to “Best Affordable Suburbs in America 2010”
Municipal Information
Click on the interactive map below to find use & occupancy, tax and school district data from 238 townships and boroughs in Southeastern PA.
Homeownership
10 Steps to Prepare for Homeownership
- Decide how much home you can afford. Generally, you can afford a home equal in value to between two and three times your
gross income.
For more help, use Fannie Mae's online mortgage calculators at http://www.fanniemae.com/homebuyers/calculators/index.jhtml?p=Resources&s=Calculators - Develop a wish list of what you’d like your home to have. Then prioritize the features on your list.
- Select three or four neighborhoods you'd like to live in. Consider items such as schools, recreational facilities, area expansion plans, and safety.
- Determine if you have enough saved to cover your downpayment and closing costs. Closing costs, including taxes, attorney's fee, and transfer fees average between 2 percent and 7 percent of the home price.
- Get your credit in order. Obtain a copy of your credit report.
- Determine how large a mortgage you can qualify for. Also explore different loans options and decide what's best for you.
- Organize all the documentation a lender will need to preapprove you for a loan.
- Do research to determine if you qualify for any special mortgage or downpayment-assistance programs.
- Calculate the costs of homeownership, including property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and association fees, if applicable.
- Find an experienced REALTOR® who can help you through the process.
Other Homeownership articles on the National Association of Realtors site:
7 Reasons to Own Your Own Home
10 Things to Take the Trauma Out of Homebuying