Horse Properties - Rockford, Illinois

For Buyers


Buying a home is an exciting time in one's life. Making the smart move of choosing a REALTOR® with horse sense is your first step to ensuring that your new home and property meets your needs. My services and experience will help you find the property that best suits you, your family and your horses. I work with and can recommend lenders who specialize in country properties.  For your convenience, I also provide listings by email. I pride myself on repeat business and hope you'll come to understand why.

How I Can Help
Before you start looking
Closing Costs

As Your Agent, I Will:

  • Listen and learn what your needs are. 
  • Assure that you see all the properties in the area that meet your criteria, and not waste your time on those that don't.
  • Guide you through the entire home buying process, from finding homes to look at, making sure the zoning is right, to getting the best financing.
  • Make sure you don't pay too much for your new home and help you avoid costly mistakes.
  • Answer all of your questions about the local market area, including schools, vets, farriers, the local economy, and more.
  • If it's your first horse property, I can help you avoid all the costly and inconvenient mistakes I made on my first horse property.

Before You Start Looking For Your New Home:

  • Check your credit rating. Straighten out any errors before its too late.
  • Determine a comfortable monthly budget for your new purchase, including down payment and monthly payment.
  • Find a loan programthat meets your needs and get pre-qualified (preferably pre-approved). I can help you with this.
  • Choose a REALTOR® with horse sense, by calling Bernie at 815-482-4293.
  • Determine what area best matches your needs.
  • Identify important features you need your new property to have:
    • Acreage
    • Barn - number and size of stalls, wash racks, hay storage, tack room, foaling stalls etc.
    • Number of paddocks, run-in shelters
    • Do you need to be close to trails?
    • Do you need an indoor arena?

Closing Costs to Expect:

  • Lender fees include charges for loan processing, underwriting, preparation and establishing an escrow account.
  • Third-party fees include charges for insurance, title search, and other inspections such as termites.
  • Government fees include deed recording and state & local mortgage taxes.
  • Escrow and interest feesinclude homeowner's insurance, loan interest, real estate taxes, and occasionally private mortgage insurance.

Find out how much your closing costs could be.

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Bernie Paul