CHOOSING AN AGENT
Partnering with the right agent can determine your entire buying experience. Buying a property can be a complicated undertaking. The purchasing process requires a comprehensive understanding of complex legal issues and lots of paperwork. Your agent will be walking you through the entire process, so it’s important to choose a compatible partner.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing your real estate professional:
- Consider a Full-Time Agent: They’re usually more committed to being available and have dedicated their career to the profession.
- Interview a Few Agents: Are they familiar with the area in which you are interested? Have they beenaround the area for at least a few years?
- Agent Availability: Ask how much time the agent will have for you, and if they are available at night and on weekends if needed?
- Experience and Education: How many years of experience do they hold? Are they continuing to stay current on legal changes? Are they studying market conditions?
- Communication: Do they respond promptly? Are they handling too many clients at once and unable to work with your schedule? Would you trust them to negotiate on your behalf?
Select an agent who listens attentively to your needs and concerns, has the necessary experience, is familiar with the area, and is dedicated to finding you the right property. Interview a few different agents so you know your options and feel comfortable with your decision.
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Other things to consider...
Get Your Financials in Order
Now is not a good time to make sudden career changes or large purchases. You want to approach your property purchase from a position of financial stability. Large purchases or loans can affect your credit and balance sheet in a way that can limit your buying options.
Your credit score will hold a significant impact on the type of property you can buy, your interest rate and overall property price. We can work with one of our preferred lenders to get an updated credit to know exactly where it stands. The lender will research your credit ratings from the three credit reporting agencies Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. We are happy to recommend seasoned, knowledgeable lenders in the residential, construction, and commercial and investment real estate fields.
Organize Your Finances
When it’s time to make an offer, you’ll want to know you’re fully prepared to close the deal. In order to avoid delays, bidding wars, or conflicts, preparing your financials is crucial.
- Bank accounts
- Recent pay stubs
- Check Your Credit Rating
- Financial statements
- Investments
- Tax returns for two years
- Credit cards
- Auto and other loans
- Copies of leases for investment properties
- 401K statements, life insurance, stocks, bonds, and mutual account information
Prequalify
Pre-qualifying for a loan will help you with:- Finding the ideal price range you can afford
- Determining what your monthly payment will be
- Understanding the different loans you qualify for
- Estimating the down payment and closing costs
Tips For Buying
Don’t Max Out Your Budget
Just because you’ve been approved for a max amount, doesn't mean you should spend it all on the home's sale price. You will want to set some of that aside for closing costs, taxes and potential home repairs or remodeling.
Get to Know the Area
Make sure the neighborhood works for you and your family - are you close to schools and is shopping conveniently located?
Don’t Skip the Home Inspection
Inspections are worth their weight in gold and will draw attention to problems you may not otherwise see, giving you peace of mind and letting you make more informed decisions about your purchase.
Get Pre-Approved
Getting pre-approved by a lender lets the seller know you are serious and ready to purchase a home and that you are not just window shopping.
Know what you can live with and what you cannot live without and also those things that can be taken care of with a simple remodel. If you need a 4 bedroom home, don't buy one with 2 that requires a massive addition which can break your budget.
Look at the Age of Appliances and Other SystemsAppliances are some of the most expensive portions of the home and you should pay particular attention to their age and whether they have required service. Other systems to have inspected are your HVAC, hot water heater, and your septic & well, if applicable. You may be able to get the seller to add a home warranty when buying.
Check For HOA RequirementsMost neighborhoods have HOAs that govern what you can and can't do - be sure you know what the rules are for your neighborhood.
Our Promise to You:
- Never sign a real estate contract without understanding all the details-consult us first.
- Arrange all the recommended inspections, valuations, etc.
- Advise on long term property management
- Handle ALL details that arise during the home buying process
- Provide buyer tips to help with the purchase
- We will negotiate the contract in YOUR best interest.