1. Understand what buyers are looking for and then emphasize what makes your home desirable. Are there certain architectural features, views, or amenities that set your home apart from others.
2. Intelligent Renovation. What is that you ask? Things like structural, electrical and plumbing should be in tip top shape. After these are in order, start looking at cosmetic changes; things like paint, fixtures and hardware.
3. Beauty from the road to the door. This means that the home should be beautiful and inviting from the exterior including the driveway on up to the front door. Add some color the outside or bright flowers to make the home pop.
4. Pricing it correctly will ensure that more buyers view the home, which can ultimately lead to a quicker sale.
5. Effective online marketing is essential. We live in a digital age where more consumers begin their searches online. In fact, statistics show that nearly 90% of home buyers begin their search online. A good agent will know how to properly market the property online with high quality photos and videos to bring out the best in your home!
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You will not find many things as emotional and exciting as the purchase of your first home. You may be looking for a condo near all the Downtown amenities, a new modern home in a family friendly suburb, or a vintage property in a historic area. Either way, if you follow the first time home buyer tips below, you could be well on your way to living the American Dream!
Buying your first home is an extremely exciting step, but it is also very risky. More experienced buyers who have bought and sold a number of houses throughout their lifetime may be able to spot a money pit the minute they walk in. However, those without this expertise may find themselves so blinded by the excitement of becoming a property owner that they fail to see the home's shortcomings.
When looking for your first home, it is very easy to fall in love with every home you can afford! You have to think, are you engaged or married or possibly planning on having kids soon? Then that one bedroom condo in the Downtown high-rise in the hip part of town may not be the best buy even if it fits your budget.
Below are several tips for first time home buyers that will assist you with keeping your head in the game throughout the process, making certain that you get the best deal and the right home!
FIRST STEPS
- Get pre-approved for a loan
- Hire the right agent to work for YOU
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A HOME?
- Certain number of bedrooms or bathrooms
- Overall square footage
- Open vs closed floor plan
- New home vs resale property
- Space for an office or bonus room
- One story or two
- Home vs condo/townhouse
- Garage, carport, or off-street parking
- Home style, type, or a specific builder
- Good school district
- Onsite or close-by amenities
- How much the house last sold for
- Homeowners Association details (if applicable)
- Area development plans
- Easement rules
- Property boundaries
- Your millage rate (used to calculate property taxes)
- City/county responsibilities (i.e. garbage, utilities, etc.)
- State tax
- Property tax
- Preview the community at different times of the day/night. Each visit will give you a better perspective on the noise level, congestion, and how quiet or busy the neighborhood is.
- If you have school age kids, visiting their prospective schools. You can also find out more details by visiting greatschools.org.
- The commute time to/from work, school, or other important amenities.
- Reviewing the state sex offender registry. If the area has a local sex offender site, make sure to check that too.
- Visit the local police station or check out SpotCrime to determine the crime level in your future neighborhood.
- Scan for distractions (i.e. is there a highway, public transportation service, entertainment venue, or processing plant nearby).
PREVIEW THE ENTIRE HOME
- Leaky gutters
- Cracks on outside walls
- A sloping yard that could imply ground subsidence
- Rotting woodwork or woodwork covered in holes that could be signs of a pest infestation
- Concrete breaks or gaps
- Fencing issues
- The roof to include missing pieces or patched area
- Outside air conditioning units
- Chimney (if applicable)
- Diseased vegetation or grass
- Potential drainage issues
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You’ve finally settled into your new home.
You’re hanging pictures and pinning ideas for your favorite bath.
But in all your excitement, are you missing something? Now that you’re a bonafide homeowner are there things you should know that you don’t?
Probably so. Here are six mistakes new homeowners often make, and why they’re critically important to avoid.
#1 Not Knowing Where the Main Water Shutoff Valve is
#2 Not Calling 811 Before Digging a Hole
#3 Not Checking the Slope of Foundation Soil
#4 Not Knowing the Depth of Attic Insulation
#5 Carelessly Drilling into Walls
#6 Cutting Down a Tree
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Buying a house: It’s a big deal. It’s not like purchasing a pair of shoes, a new suit or even a car, for that matter. While it’s certainly fun and exciting, it can also be downright confusing.
While brunching with a friend the other day, our discussion turned to real estate. She’s a 28 year old ready to dip her toe in the market. Like most first timers, she quickly realized that she had no idea where to start.
“Tell me how to buy a house. I’m like a baby… I know nothing.” Her words, verbatim.
Two hours (and several mimosas) later, she had a darn good idea of the process. Here, I’ve recapped our discussion, broken down into ten basic steps. If it’s your first (or even your second) time buying, you’re going to have lot of questions and will need guidance and a bit of handholding. But this outline will set you in the right direction.
1. Establish Your Real Estate Goals
2. Start Building Your Dream Team
3. Talk To Lender
4. House Hunt
5. Get an Accepted Offer
6. Do Your Due Diligence
7. Loop in an Attorney for the Purchase and Sale
8. Secure Your Mortgage
9. Pass Papers
10. Celebrate!
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