Home Buyer Essentials
You may be a first time home buyer or you could have bought and sold many homes throughout your lifetime. Regardless of your experience as a home buyer, you need to be aware of the top 10 essential tips when you’re buying a property.
1. Find a great agent – The real estate agent that you select can make or break the success of your transaction. Make sure you select an agent that is well experienced that understand your needs. Investors need to find agents that understand the bottom line and first time home buyers need to find an agent that will take the time to explain each step of the transaction.
2. Financing – If you are financing your next property than you will need to find a lender that is honest and can lead you in the right direction depending on your situation. The best advertised rate may not be in your best interest. Many lenders charge points or fees to make their rate appear lower than their competition. If you see a rate or loan program that looks to good to be true, than examine the fine print.
3. Location – You can change a home but you cant change it’s location. First time home buyers are often enticed to buy a larger nicer home in a less desirable location. Take into consideration your lifestyle and the benefits of being close to amenities. An hour commute may not be worth it to have a granite countertop.
4. Can you call it home – Understand that if you don’t feel at home when you walk into the property that it’s not the right choice, regardless of the amenities and the compatibility to your criteria.
5. Listen to the Seller – It is essential that you review all of the paperwork the seller provides for you disclosing the condition and the material information about what could be your future home. If the seller has performed any modification or repairs to their home they must disclose it to you. If they have experienced any problems with pests or plumbing, they must disclose. Make sure to thoroughly review all of the information the seller is required to provide to you.
6. Understand your market – Like any big purchase you need to do your research. Knowledge is power in real estate, and each local market can be very different. If you’re relocating in to a different market than have an understanding what your purchasing power is. Your dollar will go a lot further in purchasing a home in Fort Knox, Kentucky than in San Francisco, California.
7. Buyer Beware – If you have a concern than pursue it. You have every right to investigate all aspects of the property. It is ultimately your decision to make the purchase and it may be the biggest one you ever make, so if you’re in doubt than seek the right professional to answer you question.
8. Know how to Negotiate – Negotiating requires a knowledge about what you’re negotiating. It’s not a good deal of you don’t know what a good deal is. Fifteen percent off a home that is overpriced thirty percent is not a good deal. Five percent off a home that isn’t overpriced can be a good bargain. Understanding the value of the home before making an offer is essential. Use the comparable properties that are similar to the one you are making an offer on as your ammunition for a bargain.
9. Hire an Inspector – There is no reason why you wouldn’t get a physical inspection. There’s no such thing as a perfect property, so isn’t it your right to know what’s not perfect? Make sure you have a qualified professional working for you that isn’t afraid to refer you to a specialist if something comes up outside of their scope. After you have reviewed their report evaluate what repairs need to be done and assess whether you are willing to walk if the seller doesn’t correct them.
10. A Warranty – Home warranties are excellent investments if you are concerned about common homeowner challenges. For a reasonable cost you can have peace of mind. Also in a buyers market the seller will usually throw one in for you for free.
Most importantly you want to make sure that you are working with services that have your best interest in mind. That way your agent, your loan officer, your title officer, your inspector, and escrow officer (depending on your state) are all working for you to make sure you make a sound purchase that you are happy with. Buying a home needs to be an exciting and positive experience so make sure you have the right team working for you so you can minimize the headaches.
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