Local Buying Tips

Step 1:  DIAL DENISE!!

In today’s competitive market, it is imperative that you have a dedicated real estate agent that can provide you up to date information on available properties.  I can show you not only Century 21 Realty Team listings, but anything that is listed for sale with an agent.  Having the right Realtor in your corner will ensure you are not only represented, but that your best interests are looked out for.

Get Pre-Approved!

Speaking to a lender is the first step you should make when you decide you want to purchase a home. Knowing how much you can afford, your approximate payments and the loan type is essential in making an offer on a property.  I can provide you with contacts of numerous local lenders that provide top-notch service and are familiar with loan programs specific to our community.  Having a letter from a lender at the time of an offer will put you a step ahead of those Buyer’s who have yet to get pre-approved. 

Shopping For a Home

Buying a home is one of the most important decisions you will make. That's why it's in your best interest to choose an experienced real estate agent who listens to and understands your needs, and has detailed knowledge of the area in which you want to want to live.  When you choose me as your agent, you're dealing with a professional who understands your concerns and will provide you with the personalized service that makes all the difference.

TIP: After touring each home, write down what you liked and didn't like.  For example, pick the house you like best on day one and compare all other houses to it. When you find a better one, use the new favorite as your standard.

What's the Right Home For You?

Before deciding which house to buy, consider your lifestyle, current and anticipated housing needs and budget. It’s a good idea to create a prioritized list of features you want in your new home; you'll quickly discover finding the right house involves striking a balance between your "must-haves" and your "nice-to-haves."

If you love to cook, you'll appreciate a well-equipped kitchen. If you're into gardening, you'll want a yard. If a home office is a must, you’ll need a room that will provide you adequate work space. If you have several cars, you may require a larger garage. Use this list as your search guide.

Next, think about what you might need in the future, and how long you are likely to live in this particular home. If you're newly married, you might not be concerned with a school district right now, but you could be in a few years. If you have aging parents, you may want to look at homes that offer living arrangements that could accommodate them as well.

It’s important to think about your new home’s location just as carefully as its features. In addition to considering the distance to work, evaluate what matters to you in terms of services, convenience and accessibility, such as shopping, police and fire protection, medical facilities, school and daycare, traffic and parking, trash and garbage collection, even recreational facilities.

While buyers frequently use the Internet to gain access to listings or available properties for sale, an agent brings value to the entire home buying process. I can help you analyze data, answer questions, provide professional expertise, and handle all the paperwork and legwork that is involved in any real estate transaction. I can help their clients narrow their choices by sharing market trends and local information.

TIP:  It’s also important to consider the type of home that suits you best. Is it a condominium or a co-op? A townhouse or detached single-family home? Do you want brick, stone, stucco, wood, vinyl siding, or something else? Do you prefer a new home or an older one?

What If You Already Have a Home?

Buying a new home and selling an existing home at the same time has its own set of challenges. With knowledgeable planning, you can ensure everything goes smoothly.

Before putting your house on the market or committing to buying a new one, take a look at the prices of houses in the areas where you'll be selling and buying. You'll need a realistic idea of sales prices for similar houses, so you can assess both your buying and selling position.  Also, it is important that you get in and get pre-qualified with a lender.

What if you're unable to time the sale of one house with the purchase of another? You may own no houses for a time, in which case you'll need money in the bank and a temporary place to live. Or, you may own two houses at once. That's why it's important to have a backup plan. Here are some options to consider:

• Research short-term rental and storage options (family, friends, storage facilities, containers).
• Bridge financing (a short-term loan) for the down payment on a new home backed by the equity in your old house.

Making a Home Buying Offer

Once you’ve found your ideal house, it’s time to get started with the financial and contractual side of the purchase. I will guide you through this process. Purchase contracts vary in length and terms from state to state, and sometimes within a state.  Having an experienced negotiator, like myself, will ensure that all areas are covered when purchasing a property.

Multiple offers on the same home are not uncommon, so you may only get one chance to make an offer that the seller will consider. That's why it's important to think carefully about your strategy.  If you have any personal interaction with the homeowner, avoid sharing any information about your move, your current housing status, financial status or your feelings about their property - positive or negative. This could work against you in future negotiations.

TIP: You and the seller have different goals, so it’s important to consult with your real estate agent. A qualified agent can bring order to the process, and will know what questions to ask to help you reach a desirable outcome.

How Much?

Unsure how much to offer on the home you’ve picked out?  I can help you find out what other homes have sold for in the area, and how much money you might have to put into repairs or renovations. These considerations should be a factor along with the amount you're comfortable spending.

In addition to sale prices of other comparable homes, there are several ways you can come up with a winning bid. For example:

• The condition of the house. Is the home in move-in condition, in need of paint and other cosmetic improvements, or a fixer-upper that needs real work?
• The market. If you are in a buyer's market — where there are more homes for sale than there are people to buy them — prices are probably stable or falling. If you are in a seller's market — where there are more buyers looking for homes than there are homes for sale — prices are probably moving upward.
• Your ceiling. If you have a credit pre-approval, you know how much you can borrow for your home purchase. Of course, you may not be comfortable paying as much as you've been approved to borrow, so think carefully about your financial situation before making an offer.

Next, decide how much you are willing to pay for a home. Remember, the advertised price of a house is just a starting point – it may take quite a bit of negotiating to arrive at a final cost.

TIP: The value or disadvantage of certain features can help or hurt resale. In some areas, a swimming pool actually detracts from a home's value, and makes it harder to sell. In neighborhoods with two-car, attached garages, a single-car or detached garage may affect the home sale and future value.

Offer Accepted!

Once you have an accepted offer on a property, I will continue to coordinate the remaining steps in the transaction.  Including communication with lender to ensure they stay on track for closing; arranging inspections; communicating with the title company to esure all documents are ready for closing.  There are a lot of “behind the scenes” tasks that a real estate agent completes to make the transaction as seemless as possible.  Though not every transaction is hiccup free, be assured I will work diligently to guarentee you have as enjoyable of a process as possible.