If you’re working with a real estate agent (and we think that’s a good idea), they can help you understand the home’s worth based on the location, market sales activity, and recently sold homes about the same size, age, and condition (comps) to help you bid at a price that will entice the seller to counter or accept your offer.
 After all, real estate agents are knowledgeable about the local housing market and will have an accurate estimation of the property’s market value to ensure that you do not overpay. Homes are frequently purchased by military sellers by military buyers. You may be able to request an expedited close if that would be beneficial to you because some of these moves need to be completed quickly. Of course, you should approach your lender first to see if they can fast-track your close.  The decision will probably hinge on their staffing levels and volume of business at the time.  Thirty days to close might be a typical target, but some lenders may agree to shave off additional days if possible.
 “AMS is in the relationship-building business, so we’re very open to trying to help our buyers be in a strong position when they find the right home, and we’ll work with them to speed the close or handle it remotely so the deal is not held up unnecessarily,” Hopson says.
 Because the market is turning in favor of buyers, the temporary buydown is making a comeback as an incentive a seller can offer (but you’ll probably need to ask).
 In a temporary buydown, the seller pays a fee up front to lower your mortgage’s interest rate for a set period of time, typically one to three years. After that, you’ll pay the “permanent” rate. With a temporary buydown, the money is placed in an escrow account to subsidize the payment.  If you do this, you might be able to buy the house for less than the listing price and save money on your first mortgage payment for a certain amount of time. “Sometimes it comes down to showing the seller that they’ll have to drop their price, say $10,000, or offer a buydown so they’re supplementing the buyer’s payments for a limited time,” explains Hopson.  “We are seeing them opt for the buydown more and more frequently as interest rates stay near 7%.”
 The borrower and seller or builder must execute the buydown agreement at closing before funding approval.  The actual difference between the standard interest rate and the reduced rate is paid in one lump sum by the seller or builder to the lender. Of course, property taxes, homeowners insurance and applicable mortgage insurance (PMI) must be paid by the borrower as part of the payment for the full 30-year loan term, including the buydown period.

nt or signing any contracts. If you do not understand the terms of a deal, ask questions and seek professional guidance to avoid costly mistakes.