Michael Petruccelli asks; What are some tips for first time home buyers?(9)

Michael Petruccelli says; You can ask your agent for a referral to a mortgage broker or check with your own bank / credit union. Compare the types of mortgages available to you and your GFE.

Michael Petruccelli asks; What are some tips for first time home buyers?(8)

Michael Petruccelli says;  Popular first-time buyer loans are FHA loans because the minimum down payment requirement is much less than a conventional loan. However, if you are thinking about buying foreclosures, for example, conventional buyers tend to get priority with REO banks.

Michael Petruccelli asks; What are some tips for first time home buyers?(7)

Michael Petruccelli says; Many sellers won't look at an offer if the seller doesn't have assurance that the buyer can get a loan.

Michael Petruccelli asks; What are some tips for first time home buyers?(6)

Michael Petruccelli says; Get a Loan - It's not always necessary to have a mortgage broker or bank in your back pocket before buying a home, but it's smarter to get loan preapproval in advance. This way you know for certain how much home to buy.

Michael Petruccelli asks; What are some tips for first time home buyers?(5)

Michael Petruccelli says;  Most buyers conduct a lot of research online before ever stepping foot in a home. Buyers spend an average of 6 to 8 weeks, according to the National Association of REALTORS, trying to figure out where they want to live. But once the neighborhood is selected, most buyers end up buying a home after 2 or 3 home tours.

Michael Petruccelli asks; What are some tips for first time home buyers?(4)

Michael Petruccelli says; Find a Home to Buy - Buying a home can be an overwhelming process and emotionally draining. Finding the right home is not always an easy task. I advise buyers to look at a maximum of 7 homes at a time because any more than that will make a buyer's head spin.

Michael Petruccelli asks; What are some tips for first time home buyers?(3)

Michael Petruccelli says; You can waste the agent's gas and not your own when you tour homes. Some agents will preview homes for you. An agent can generally spot overpriced listings and advise you accordingly.

Michael Petruccelli asks; What are some tips for first time home buyers?(2)

Michael Petruccelli says; An agent can send you listings directly from MLS that fit your parameters, and you won't waste time looking at active short contingent listings that are under contract. Agents often know of new listings coming up that are not yet on the market.

Michael Petruccelli asks; What are some tips for first time home buyers?(1)

Michael Petruccelli says; Hire an Agent - Because I am an agent, I believe in hiring a buyers agent first. But you don't have to if you prefer to go to open houses and look through a mumbo jumbo of homes online. Mostly, an agent will save you time.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Is Generation Y bigger than boomer, but full of financial woe? (14)

Michael Petruccelli says; By learning more about the benefits needs and preferences of Gen Y, you can make benefits relevant and real to today's younger employees. Learn how you can integrate voluntary benefits into your clients workplace strategies to help them attract and retain this important demographic group.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Is Generation Y bigger than boomer, but full of financial woe? (13)

Michael Petruccelli says;  Face to face, ongoing benefits communication brevity and to -the-point content, much like the information Gen Y gets online when searching for restaurants and movie reviews. Make sure your benefits education materials are formatted and shortened to suit the delivery channel, whether they're on the web, over social media platforms or mobile devices all tools that Gen Y uses on an ongoing basis to access information.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Is Generation Y bigger than boomer, but full of financial woe? (12)

Michael Petruccelli says; Though Gen Y is rarely away from their mobile devices, don't be fooled into thinking impressive enrollment technology will lead to a sure sale. Just because they're young and you display the information on an ipad doesn't mean Gen Y employees will buy from you.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Is Generation Y bigger than boomer, but full of financial woe? (11)

Michael Petruccelli says;  Engage Gen Y with communication & education - The workplace continues to be Gen Y's most reliable source for benefits information, although they do not depend on it as much as their older colleagues do. They are significantly more likely than other generations to rely on family & friends. And surprisingly, they are much less likely to rely on online resources than older workers are.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Is Generation Y bigger than boomer, but full of financial woe? (10)

Michael Petruccelli says;  Individual voluntary benefits are owned by the employees, so if they ever leave the company they can keep their coverage. This is important, considering two-thirds of Gen Y workers say it is very likely or somewhat likely they will switch careers sometimes in their working lives.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Is Generation Y bigger than boomer, but full of financial woe? (9)

Michael Petruccelli says; Voluntary insurance plans allow employers to offer a cost effective, expanded benefits package at little or no cost to them. Gen Ys choose the benefits that best meet their individual needs and typically pay for these products themselves, often through convenient pay roll deduction.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Is Generation Y bigger than boomer, but full of financial woe? (8)

Michael Petruccelli say;  Gen Y wants protection, but they also want to be able to meet their financial obligations comfortably. They need alternative benefits solutions that reduce their risk and give them the security and peace of mind they need. And they need affordable benefits.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Is Generation Y bigger than boomer, but full of financial woe? (7)

Michael Petruccelli say;  Don't let Gen Y workers use their age as an excuse not to protect themselves. Unexpected injuries, illnesses and disabilities can happen to anyone. Know how to relate to the younger generation of employees and help them get the protection they need.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Is Generation Y bigger than boomer, but full of financial woe? (6)

Michael Petruccelli says; Gen Y workers are woefully under insured. They are the least likely working group to take advantage of workplace insurance coverage such as life - not just ancillary coverage such as life, disability, accident and long term care insurance, but major health plans as well. And even though they don't always purchase coverage at work, 60% of them list benefits as the second most important aspect of job satisfaction, behind job security.