Archive for the ‘Buyer’ Category

Well here is a great video that echoes the sentiments in my last post about our homes getting smaller.  Some developers are getting very practical and showing consumers how to follow suit.

If you are looking for a new home, watch this video to help you decide what is important and how you can find it.

If you need an agent that will tirelessly help you find your home, give me a call and let me help you.

I just came across this great article in The Wall Street Journal.  It talks about the 10 “must have” features in today’s homes.  I will have the link at the end of my post.

It is very interesting and discusses Americans changing their needs for larger homes in favor of a smaller home as a signal of the changing economy.  I am also seeing this as an agent.  Through my years I have seen many trends but people seem to be getting back to what is practical and extra space is no longer on the list of “must haves”.

Here is the link http://bit.ly/aRXe9D

Enjoy!
Connie

The importance of staging your home will be shown to you by an experienced real estate agent. There are many things you can do, but each home is unique and has some properties that are better highlighted while others are not made a priority for the potential buyers to experience. You and your agent will assess your home and decide what are the important things to draw attention to your potential buyers. An experienced agent may already have several buyers they are thinking may be interested in your home and will know what their triggers are and be prepared for it.

The suggestions may range from replacing bold colors to more neutral tones or removing old wallpaper and painting the room to make it look spacious and elegant. Speaking of spacious, if a room seems a little too narrow, hanging a mirror in just the right place can make the room seem a little larger than it actually is.

The kitchen is usually very important to buyers. The appliances may need to either be updated or at least look newer. The cabinets may also need to be cleaned up. New hardware on the doors of the cabinets may also be a huge selling point.

If your closets are small, remove half the contents and put like colors together to make them look larger and roomier than they are. Add some shelves if possible to make it look more organized.

Have the carpets cleaned and deodorized to make the room seem fresh. There is nothing worse than having a seller walk into a stale smelling room. Fresh flowers can also help this and they are also very beautiful to look at.

Bathrooms must also be very clean and luxurious. The tub must be inviting, the sink must also sparkle and the toilet should be clean the top should be down.

There are many other suggestions that can be made. If you want more information about your home, contact me and I will be glad to help you.

Your first step in the process of buying a home is to determine how much you can afford to borrow. A basic rule of thumb is that a lender will want your monthly mortgage payment to be no more than 29% of your monthly gross income.

Mortgages and Home Buying Programs

There are many different kinds of mortgage programs available. It is best to do some research about the pros and cons of each program. A real estate broker can help you understand the steps you will need to take, and can refer you to a reputable mortgage broker or service. There are also special home buying programs available from various organizations and many local governments that offer special home buying programs to help first-time home buyers and those in a lower income bracket. Get informed – you may be surprised to discover what you are eligible for!

Determine Your Search Criteria

Begin your home search by focusing on the location where you want to buy, and the amenities you want in a home. Determine how much square footage you want, how many bedrooms and baths you need, etc. Knowing what you’re looking for will not only help you focus your search but will also help your real estate broker understand your needs so that he/she can best assist you in the process.

Shopping for a Home

There are several avenues to take once you begin your home search. Your real estate broker can supply you with listings, based on your search criteria. You may also look for property on the Internet, and then ask your broker to set up an appointment to show you the house. Reading the real estate section of your local newspaper, or driving around neighborhoods that interest you is also a viable strategy. It is important to see as many open houses as possible, so that you can develop an understanding of the market, and get a solid idea of what is available in your price range.

The Home Inspection

Once you have made an offer on a home, you will need to schedule a home inspection, conducted by an independent authorized inspector. It is extremely import to hire a reputable inspector so that you know exactly what you are buying. Do not hesitate to ask friends, family, and co-workers for advice. If you are satisfied with the results of the inspection, then you can proceed to the Purchase and Sales agreement. If the inspector finds problems with the property, you may want to negotiate with the seller to lower the price, or to pay for certain repairs.

Appraisal

Your lender will require you to get an appraisal of the house you want to buy, to make sure it is worth the money that you are borrowing. You may select your own appraiser, or you may ask your real estate broker to help you with this task.

Homeowner’s Insurance

Lenders require that you have homeowners insurance, to protect both your interests and theirs. Like everything else, be sure to shop around for insurance that fits your needs.

Settlement or Closing

Finally, you are ready for the closing. Be sure to read everything before you sign! You should have both your real estate broker and an attorney present at the closing to ensure that all is in order.