You could be new to the home buying process or a veteran that has bought and sold many homes. Whether this is your first time or your last time purchasing real estate, it is a very good idea to review these essential tips before moving forward with your home purchase.
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. Access Your Needs – Discuss with your agents your must haves, your like to haves, and your no ways. There will always be compromise in selecting your next home, so an understanding of what you are willing to sacrifice will make the process a lot easier. Although there is a reason why they say location, location, location.
4. Trust your gut – If you walk into a home and it doesn’t feel right there’s a reason, it’s not the right home for you. Make sure your house or condo feels like home.
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. Due diligence – This simply means you must investigate every aspect of the property that is of importance to you now and down the road. A seller is obligated to disclose everything that they know, but what about the issues they aren’t aware of. For example, if the crime rate is important to you than contact local law enforcement to get crime stats. If you’re concerned about the schools, than research the specific schools in the neighborhoods you’re interested in. Use your buyer’s agent to help facilitate this process. You may want to also check with your insurance agency to make sure your prospective home is insurable before you close. There are reports you can order called CLUE reports (Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange) at a minimal cost that will show all insurance claims over a specified period of time.
8. Get a fair price – In order to negotiate you have to be willing to walk away. The price you offer on a home reflects how much you really want a home. If you feel you have a variety of options and you are not “married” to the property than go for that deal of a lifetime. If you really like the home, than research the comparables and make a reasonable offer that is a win win for you and the seller.
9. You must inspect – Just like you wouldn’t buy a car without looking under the hood and taking it for a test drive, you shouldn’t buy a home without a proper physical inspection. Make it a priority to have a qualified inspector thoroughly check your home to make sure you are making a sound investment. The price of the inspector may save you from buying the next money pit.
10. Home Warranty – People tend to associate home warranties with new homes. You can get a home warranty for practically any home. They are well worth the small investment and you may be able to negotiate this item in your offer so you can have the seller to pay for it. There’s nothing like having peace of mind when you move into a new home.
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.
Selling and Purchasing a home can be daunting. For free info and additional excellent tips on real estate visit Carlsbad Homes