Mitzi Clair & TeamREALTOR® CalBRE #00956723

• (+) How many homes should I plan to view and how should I make the final decision?

While exploring your needs and wants fully is a good idea for focusing your search and saving time, viewing a number of homes will help you become familiar with what you can expect to get for your money.

When you find a home you really like, it's a good idea to go back and look at it at a different time of day. This will give you greater insight into what it will be like living in the home full time.

• (+) How can I check my credit rating before I apply for a mortgage?

Your credit rating is based on a combined score generated from three credit bureaus who look at your credit history, amount of credit available, and recent inquiries to determine what's called your FICO score.

A smart way to go is to contact your realtor to introduce you to a trusted mortgage consultant to check your rating for you and, if appropriate, suggest ways for you to improve your credit.

- Equifax: (800) 685-1111

- Experian: (888) 397-3742

- TransUnion: (800) 916-8800

• (+) What is title insurance and why do I need it?

Basically, title insurance assures that you have clear title to the home you're purchasing. A title search is the primary component of "due diligence," a process that will be started either by your attorney, if you are using one, or by the title company you choose. The title search determines whether the seller actually owns the property and if there are any claims against it.

• (+) What happens if the house I want to purchase does not appraise at the amount expected?

If the house doesn't appraise at the amount expected, other alternatives are typically found. A second appraisal may be sought, the buyer may be willing to put more money down, the seller may adjust the price or offer other concessions, or the two sides may negotiate to split the difference between them.