Ask Alex | Alex MacKinnon's weekly column from the Gouverneur Tribune Press

Ask Alex

I am just getting out of school and am thinking about someday buying a house. What are some steps that I can take?

Buying a home is one of the largest purchases you will ever make and it almost always involves borrowing money. Establishing a good working relationship with a bank is essential. Follow these simple steps. Open a checking account and never overdraw. Open a savings account and put money in every month and leave it there. Get a car loan from the same bank that you have your other accounts with and make sure you make every payment on time. Never, Never, Never get involved with credit card debt. Use a debit card from the bank you have chosen for you other accounts. If you follow these simple steps and establish a proven relationship with your bank, they will be glad to help you achieve the purchase of your own home!

Pick up the phone, give me a call today and find out how I can help, it’s just that easy!

Alex MacKinnon
Licensed Associate Broker

287-4194 cell: 778-1287

Ask Alex a question at
alex@lacyrealty.net

*This article originally published August 7, 2008 in the Gouverneur Tribune Press

Ask Alex is a bi-weekly column: look for it in print every other Thursday where Tribunes are sold.

Column Archives

June 19, 2008

The news media is saying that the mortgage and housing crisis is having such a negative impact on banks that it is hard to get mortgage money. Is that true? No, the lenders in our area never got into the high risk lending business as did some of the internet banks and mortgage companies. For lenders in this area, it has been business as usual; mortgage money is very available to qualified buyers and there are also some good special programs for first time homebuyers. Remember that the first step in buying a home is to establish a relationship with a lender. they will tell you what you can and cannot afford and how to get started. We have lists of all the lenders in the area as well as information on government assistance and grant programs. I can provide you with step-by-step help that will get you into your own home sooner than you think. I have many listings in a variety of price ranges. Just take a minute, give me a call today and find out how I can help, it's just that easy!