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Carrie Pierce & Associates Newsletter
March 2009
In This Issue
6 Buying Strategies
Should I Rent or Own?
 
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Carrie Pierce & Associates
4900 Stone Way N
Seattle, WA 98103
425 518 1176
What is Earnest Money? 
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Earnest money is money put down to demonstrate your seriousness about buying a home. It must be substantial enough to demonstrate good faith and is usually between 2-3% of the purchase price. If your offer is accepted, the earnest money becomes part of your down payment or closing costs. If the offer is rejected, your money is returned to you. If you back out of a deal, you may forfeit the entire amount.

100 Questions & Answers on Buying a Home
 
6 Powerful Home Buying Strategies
 
1. Don't Get "Pre-Qualified!" Get "Pre-Approved."  Do you want to get the best house you can for the least amount of money? Then make sure you are in the strongest negotiating position possible and get a pre-approval by a lender's underwriter!  Don't settle for the lender's opinion which is a pre-qualification.   
2. Don't Be Pushed into any House. A good real estate agent should show you everything available that meets your requirements. Don't make a decision on a house until you feel that you've seen enough to pick the best one. 
 

Should I Rent or Own
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The rule of thumb is that if you pay 35 percent less in rent than you would for owning - including the monthly mortgage, property taxes, and any homeowner's fees - then it's smarter to continue renting. Only if all those answers still point towards owning should you proceed to the next step - getting the money right.
 

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Limited Time Offer

 Refer a friend who buys or sells a home and get a $500 Gift Certificate to Home Depot!
 
 Call Carrie Today at 425 518 1176
 
 

*Coupon expires May 30, 2009.  Friend needs to be referred by this date and complete transaction by Dec 31, 2009.