Services for Home Buyers
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Whether you've spent years saving and
preparing to buy a home, or are unsure if you can afford it, the
questions surrounding a house purchase can feel endless.
You can find the answers - and peace of mind - by working with
RE/MAX TEAM 2000.
Here are some tips to help you become your own landlord.
Scroll down for more!
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Hire a real estate professional.
The first step is to select a professional to help you find your
dream home and fine-tune your financial expectations. Working with a
buyer agent is worth consideration since he or she is legally
responsible for representing the buyer's interest in a real estate
transaction. Before making a decision, however, have a Realtor
explain the pros and cons of using a buyer agent versus a sales or
dual agent. Your RE/MAX TEAM 2000 Associate can guide you through
every step to buying a home.
Shop for mortgage rates and terms.
A difference of even half a percentage point can mean a huge savings
over the life of a loan. For example, the difference in the monthly
payment on a $100,000 mortgage at 8 percent vs. 7.5 percent is about
$35 per month. Over 30 years, that's $12,600.
Prequalify for a loan.
Your third step should be to get prequalified, which determines how
much you can afford. It allows you to move swiftly when you find the
right home, especially when there are other interested buyers. It
also indicates to the seller that you are serious and really can
afford to buy the property.
Define what you want.
The next step is to create a realistic idea of the property you'd
like to buy. What features are most important to you? Make two
lists: one of the items you can't live without and one of the
features you would enjoy. Refine the lists as you house hunt. It is
also helpful to search online to see what is currently available on
the market. Your real estate professional can then show you houses
that meet your expectations.
Visit properties.
Now you're ready to visit houses. Ask your RE/MAX TEAM 2000
Associate to arrange showings, and keep track of the properties
you've seen.
Know the features that help or hurt resale.
In some areas, a swimming pool actually detracts from a home's value
and makes it harder to sell. In neighborhoods with two-car, attached
garages, a single-car or detached garage may impact the home sale
and future value. Your RE/MAX TEAM 2000 professional can point out
features that hurt or help resale value.
1. Rate the houses you tour.
After touring each home, write down what you liked and didn't
like. Develop a rating system that will help narrow the field
down. For example, pick the house you like best on day one and
compare all other houses to it. When you find a better one, use
the new favorite as the standard.
2. Make an offer.
Once you've pinpointed your dream house, it's time to get serious
about the financial and contractual side of the purchase. Your
RE/MAX TEAM 2000 Associate will be a strong advantage since you
and the seller have different goals.
3. Arrange for a home inspection.
After your offer is accepted, set up a home inspection. It's
common to find problems, including leaky roofs, cracked walls,
insect infestations and foundation problems. Your real estate
professional can help find a reputable inspector, and will
negotiate to get you the most for your money once the inspector's
report is final. If you negotiate repairs as part of the purchase,
ask for a "walk through" before finalizing the paperwork. Ask your
real estate expert about home protection plans, which may save you
money in the near future.
4. Close.
Before your closing date, make sure you've made all necessary
deposits and completed the paperwork - including mortgage, title,
homeowners insurance and any other paperwork required by local or
state governments.
5. Prepare for life in your new home.
Before rolling out the welcome mat, consider some moving basics:
arranging for an alarm company, turning on electricity, water and
gas, cleaning or replacing the carpet, and notifying your local
post office of your new address. The best time for renovations is
often before you move in.
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