UPDATED 8/10/18

Homebuyers have access to more information than ever about the real estate market, individual properties and the homebuying process. If you've been doing your research, I'm sure you're finding all kinds of things, both helpful and not so much.

That's why I want to invite you to a homebuying seminar I'm hosting with a colleague this month. It's called "Buying a Home? Tips and Tools for Success." I'll be joined by Karen Hankins, Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group's Western Region business development manager.

Our goal is to sort through the information that's out there and share with you the best of what we know from our combined decades of experience in the real estate and mortgage industries.

These are the topics we'll cover:

• Are you ready to buy a home?  We'll talk about the things you need to weigh before jumping into the hunt for a home. We'll look at all the costs associated with buying and owning a home and explain why timing plays such a big role in your decision. And with so many sources focused on the national real estate market, we'll discuss the Roanoke Valley market and how local conditions affect buyers.

• How to avoid common mistakes when buying home  From underestimating the total cost of owning a home to not using a buyer's agent, we'll go over the the mistakes that are most costly and most likely to cause buyer's remorse, and talk about how to avoid them.

• How to prepare for the mortgage application and tips for a successful loan process  You'll learn what's required to apply for financing, how to make the process go smoothly and things you can do before you apply that will improve your chances for success.
• What to expect from your buyer's agent  Just because you CAN buy a home without a buyer's agent doesn't mean you SHOULD. In fact, the 2017 National Association of Realtors Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers showed that even among buyers who used the internet to find the home they ultimately purchased, 88 percent closed with the help of a buyer's agent. We'll explain why using an agent gives you an edge and how to get the most from that partnership.

Who should attend?

This seminar is right for anyone in the market to buy a home, including first-time homebuyers, homeowners who are ready to upgrade or those who are planning to downsize. Even if you haven't made a decision to buy yet, you'll find something of value here. And the format will be fairly informal, so if we don't cover something you want to know, just ask.

Where and when?

6 to 7:30 p.m., Aug. 28

Natural Science Building at Virginia Western Community College

Light refreshments

Have questions? Please get in touch at (540) 793-0442 or rpayne@mkbrealtors.com. Be sure to like my page on Facebook.