Buyer Tips
Buying a
home is a very large financial investment and requires some commitment and
responsibility. However, it's often a very thrilling and rewarding
experience. I always feel privileged and delighted to see the excitement when I
hand homebuyers the keys to their new home.
So, thinking about buying a new home yourself? I'll be there to help you
every step of the way, but here are a few simple things to make sure your
experience is a smooth one.
Before you shop:
Be a smart consumer. Learn the
financing basics. Know how to shop for a home loan that's right for you.
Get pre-qualified. Start with a review
of your finances and then work with a qualified mortgage broker or bank to get a
clear picture of affordable home options. This takes very little time and helps
you find the price range that fits your lifestyle.
Think about what you really want. The
last thing you need is to close a deal and realize you bought a house you didn't
want. Ask yourself what you're looking for in a home, before you shop. Consider
items such as: • How large does my home need to be? • What would
my work commute be like? • How are the schools in the
community? • What kind of repairs am I willing to deal
with? • What is the overall community like?
Keep your debt load to a minimum.
Don't make major purchases or incur any additional debt until after your
purchase. Pay down credit cards and don't apply for new ones. Remember, lenders
evaluate your financial situation on your gross monthly income.
Be prepared to view new properties
quickly. Sometimes homes sell quickly, so be ready to make fast
decisions.
Have instant access to your EXIT Realty
Associate. Instant communication can mean the difference in purchasing
the property of your choice.
Before you buy:
Submit a strong competitive offer.
Be ready to include a substantial earnest
money deposit if necessary. Sometimes offers are accepted based on the
amount of the deposit.
Hire an inspector. A professional
building inspector or appraiser will make sure the house of your choice is in
satisfactory condition.
Check
zoning regulations and covenants. Good residential neighborhoods will be
zoned to keep out commercial and industrial users. Read any restrictive
covenants and make sure they fit your lifestyle. Think about things such as
irrigation, etc.
Request an updated property survey. Be
sure it clearly marks boundaries. Check for problems.
Make sure you know what stays or
goes. Your contract should be very specific about which items
(appliances, etc) are included in the sale.
Get agreements in writing. Make
certain verbal agreements are written into the final contract to avoid any
stressful and expensive issues later.
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