How Do I Buy A Home

Did you know that 86% of buyers found their real estate agent to be a useful information source. While some may consider bypassing an agent to save money, it's essential to recognize the complexities involved in real estate transactions. Just as you wouldn't attempt major car repairs without a mechanic or perform surgery on yourself, navigating the intricacies of buying a home without professional assistance can lead to costly mistakes.

Real estate agents bring a wealth of knowledge about local markets, negotiation skills, and an understanding of legal requirements to the table. From identifying suitable properties to negotiating the best deal and ensuring a smooth transaction, their expertise is invaluable. So while it may seem tempting to forgo an agent to save a bit of money, the potential pitfalls far outweigh any perceived benefits.

When considering purchasing a home, one of the first bits of information you'll require is your purchasing power. It's crucial to know how much home you can comfortably afford without overextending yourself. Being "house poor" is a situation best avoided. Therefore, it's advisable to consult with a lender and obtain pre-approval, not just pre-qualification. Once you determine your budget, you can focus on the type of home that fits within your financial means. It's important to set a range and adhere to it, rather than chasing a property just beyond your current budget. In our competitive market, having pre qualification is essential to swiftly submit offers on suitable homes.

Regarding lenders, it's wise to speak with multiple ones as they may offer different programs. Your real estate agent can assist you in finding suitable lenders.

When working with me, we'll begin by identifying the essential features you need in a home versus those you merely desire. Wouldn't it be great to have a three-car garage? That extra space for bikes, lawn equipment, or whatever toys you want to store? Of course it would. Amenities like a three-car garage might be nice to have, they're not necessities for most people. It's crucial to be flexible and prioritize your needs over wants. Consider factors like proximity to work, schools, amenities, and neighborhood characteristics. Thoroughly researching the surroundings, including potential nuisances like nearby railroad tracks, is essential to avoid unpleasant surprises. A client I was working with called and said she had to see this house right now - the price was right and she just knew it would go fast. I took the address and raced over to meet her. When I pulled up, she was standing in front of the house, shaking her head. Directly (and I mean directly) across the street was a railroad track. Lesson learned. Understand ALL that the neighborhood has to offer!

A good realtor will guide you through various considerations when buying a home, helping you establish search parameters aligned with your requirements. I will utilize search tools to identify suitable properties and provide access to tools like the Sibcy Cline search tool for your independent exploration.

When we find a potential match, I'll conduct a comparative market analysis (CMA) to assess its value and any potential concerns based on market trends and transaction history. We'll visit the property together, discussing your lifestyle needs and addressing any issues or considerations beyond what's evident in the listing. I will ask you questions about how you envision life in this house. Where would you put the couch and tv? Do you have enough room for the large family dinners you mentioned? Does the home have the storage you need? I'm also going to look for concerns that may not be in the paperwork or pictures provided. I will look at the furnace, roof and foundation for concerns. I will point out the attic space turned into living space doesn't have the same level of cooling as the first floor. Falling in love with the surface is easy, but the soul of the house will bring you true comfort.

Upon selecting a home, we'll move through the steps outlined in the chart provided. From making an offer to navigating through various deadlines and contingencies, I'll ensure a smooth transaction process, leveraging my expertise to mitigate potential obstacles and ensure a successful deal.

In summary, when you work with me, you will...

be more likely to find the home that meets all your criteria.

lessen the amount of time it will take to find your home.

understand all the terms, processes and documents used when buying your home.

have up-to-date market information that will allow you to make informed decisions.

have a skilled negotiator working on your behalf, one who is committed to looking after your best interests.

enjoy peace of mind, knowing that all the details of your purchase are being taken care of by an experienced and knowledgeable professional.

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