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Whether you're a first time buyer or a veteran of the real estate game, buying a home can be a mammoth process. It's an emotional time often accompanied with difficult choices. Those same difficult choices are tied directly to costs and your ultimate return and happiness. Finding the right home for your family's needs is hard, but managing to avoid paying too much is a another mastery of skills entirely. The following will show you not only how to make sure you've found the right home, but also how to negotiate the right price with my help.
Know what you're shopping for before you start
This first step is understanding what you are seeking. Your family has certain needs which must be fulfilled. Also there are many desires which may or may not ultimately be fulfilled. Take an unemotional look into those needs and desires.
Do you choose a three-bedroom home with room for your family to grow or the one with a large back yard, perfect for entertaining? Is having a large kitchen more important than having an extra room?
Two lists should be created - a wish list (your desires) and a reality list (your needs). The reality list consists of those items which your family really needs. They are non-negotiables. On the other hand, the wish list contains those items which would be nice to have. Prioritize the lists and the goal is clear - your next home needs to have most, if not all, of your reality list items and hopefully a few of the top wish list items. These lists will keep your efforts channeling in the proper direction.
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Shop for a mortgage before you shop for a home
Getting a loan pre-approval is the smart way to shop for a home. It tells the sellers that you're a serious prospect and you'll know in advance the maximum mortgage you can afford. Make sure you get a commitment in writing. It's easier than ever to qualify for a home loan. My lenders and mortgage representatives have modified qualification rules and created programs designed to help you even if you have problems in your credit and employment histories. Many programs dramatically reduce down payments, so if money's tight now you can still make that purchase.
First-time home buyers can benefit from the many lender programs that I have. Reduced down payment is an example of such programs. I work with so many lenders and mortgage representatives, who will get you the best rate available out there. I can give you their names and contact information. They will do a FREE pre-approval for you, and again, get you the best rate available, lock in the low pre-approved interest rate for 3-4 months, and most of all, there is no need for you to make an appointment with your banker and skip work. They can do your pre-approval over the phone or online!
Pick the right real estate professional such as myself
From finding the right home to selecting a lender to meet your financial needs to getting proper property inspections to negotiating the best deal, it can be taxing for even the hardiest of souls. You need the right and best Realtor on your side; you need me.
I have a very high level of care, skills, knowledge, experience, and due diligence ensuring your best interests are at heart. I also have a team of other professionals to put at your disposal - lenders, lawyers, home inspectors, movers, tradesmen, etc.
Most sellers you encounter will have a team in their corner. Having a professional, such as myself, on your team is the best way to make sure you get the best deal possible.
Make sure you let me know what you are looking for
Once you have a clear understanding of your reality and wish lists make sure I have those same lists. This communication is critical. Otherwise, we will both waste our time looking at properties you're really not interested in and you could possibly miss out on the one that truly meets your needs and desires. Our shared goal is to find a place that meets your needs: I will then do my best to satisfy as many of your desires as possible.
A very good agent, such as myself, will ask you many questions about what you're looking for and what you can afford. And then I'll listen carefully to your answers.
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Yes, that too...location, location, location!
The desirability and resale of your home-to-be depend on location more than any other single factor. The simple truth is - the value of your home is affected by the homes that surround it.
Assuming you've already considered the items that make up a desirable home and community - character, quality of schools, access to work and services, recreational facilities, entertainment, etc. - there are several elements that combine to make a good location.
Your first consideration is the neighborhood. Every neighborhood has its own unique character; you need to make sure you'd be comfortable in the one you're thinking of living in. Take a long walk and observe carefully. Do people take care of their yards and homes? Are the yards fenced? Do children play in the streets? Talk to the neighbors and ask questions that give you a better feel for the area. Be careful not to appear judgmental - you might be talking to a future neighbor.
If the neighbuorhood is to your satisfaction, look at homes on the market in the area on my website, by clicking HERE. Extremely large homes surrounding smaller ones tend to appreciate less than a large home among other large homes. Conversely, the smallest home in a neighbourhood tends to be pulled up by the other homes on the block. However, it may or may not take longer to sell that smaller home when the time comes because many people are unwilling to pay extra for the neighbourhood.
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You are so much better than the giraffe...let me help you find your Dream Home now!
Please feel free to fill out the form below or call me and I would be more then happy to answer any questions you might have.
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