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My 5 Tips For Buying A Home
Looking to buy a home? Here are my 5 essential tips for making the process as smooth as possible.
Get your finances in order.
Start by getting a full picture of your credit, obtain your credit reports if you are in need of a loan. If you need to fix any problems on the report now is the time so you can find a suitable lender and get pre-approved for a loan. The loan letter allows me to put together a strong package for you when competing with cash buyers.
Find a house you can afford.
You need to have a conversation with your loan broker regarding your income, debt, and expenses currently. Next, have the broker consider estimated property taxes for the neighborhood you prefer, utility expenses, etc in addition to the downpayment you plan to make. All of those considerations must be taken into account regarding your purchase price.
Hire a professional.
Preferably me! While the internet gives buyers unprecedented access to home listings and resources, many aspects of the buying process require a level of expertise you can't pick up from surfing the web. There is a reason why we are licensed professionals. Please take a moment to read my client testimonials.
Do your homework.
Before making a bid speak with your agent to discuss the state of the market at large. Is it more favorable for sellers or buyers at this time? Next I would gather comps for you and explain the selling trends in your preferred neighborhood(s) in the last few months. My suggestion is always to come up with an offer price that is competitive, but also realistic if you're in a multiple offer situation.
Lastly, Think long term.
More than likely real estate history shows us that if you live in your new home for several (4-5) years you will have made a great investment in yourself should you need or want to sell. Also, good school districts have a great resale value whether or not you have children. Your home will always appeal to families as well as couples without children. Inspections are a vital part of your long term value of your home - the various inspectors I recommend are the ultimate professionals in their field.
My tips when Preparing To Sell
Meet with a licensed realtor (preferably me!) to discuss my strategy, neighborhood comps and the preparations needed to ensure you get the highest price possible in the shortest amount of time. Please take a moment to read my client testimonials.
Make repairs.
Curb appeal is extremely important. You might have gotten used to some cracks in stucco, or tiles or missing roof shingles but a buyer will notice everything negative. We want them to pull up to your home and appreciate what they see. Freshen up landscaping, get windows washed and touch up paint wherever necessary.
Neutralize your space.
You want buyers to see themselves in your home. To not only protect your privacy but to enable a buyer to imagine living in your house, remove all photos of yourself and your family. Hardwood floors are a huge selling point, see if they need refinishing. Have your home clean and freshly painted to make the most of someone’s first impression.
Stage.
Simple is best. If your home is filled with a multitude of furniture, rugs, and art, now is the time to store whatever you can so your house is filled only with a minimum of pieces. If your house will be vacant this is the perfect opportunity to work with a stager, to let them give a flair/flavor to your home that will appeal to many buyers. Think of staging as a little mascara and blush - if it's done right you don't notice the makeup, only the beauty.