Buying Bloopers
1.
Pulling The Trigger
"Oh, that looks nice! I'll call on it tomorrow!"
Don't be that person. Too often we see a great property and we put off calling our realtor. If you see a property you like, call, text, or email us right away. We're here for you! A few hours can be the difference between you getting your dream home, or settling for your second or third choice.
2.
Money Matters
Get Pre-Qualified and Pre-Approved today! If you're serious about buying a new home, this is a MUST. It shows that you are a serious buyer and this helps give you some additional negotiating power.
3.
You Know What Happens When You Assume....
Don't assume that taxes and insurance quotes will stay the same after you purchase a property. Property or homeowners insurance involves your credit score as well as the history of the home and its condition.
Likewise, property taxes are often years behind or may have a cap placed upon them if the property was eligible for homestead exemption or other special limitations placed on tax increases. Always obtain at least three independent insurance quotes on a property and obtain a newly revised estimate for property taxes before making a final offer.
4.
Spend Now To Save Later
We STRONGLY encourage you to get a home inspector.
It doesn't matter if the home is 30 years old or brand new. Getting an inspector will help you save money and avoid major hazards down the road.
(Unless you like leaky roofs and flooded basements.)
Why You Should Work With An Agent
1.
Time Is Money
From the pictures, the showings, the calls, the emails, the inspections, the Open Houses and everything in between, selling a home is a time consuming activity.
In real estate, time is everything. We've seen it literally make or break deals.
That's why you should let an agent handle it for you. They know the "ins and outs" and can help you use your time in the most effective way possible.
2.
Mad Men
Your home won't sell itself. It needs to be promoted. From the biggest listing sites and apps to social media. We have years of experience in marketing homes. We know how to catch the eye of a buyer.
3.
Networking
Advertising is great, but over the years we've also built a HUGE network. Often we have buyers that we know are looking for a specific home. This helps us to sell your home faster.
4.
Cost
Selling a home requires more than simply placing a sign on the front lawn; it also entails a lot of out-of-pocket expenses with no guarantee of success. Advertising can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, listing with a “by owner” agency or MLS service typically adds hundreds more.
Finally, it is important to remember that real estate agents split commissions between the listing agent and the selling agent. To attract attention to your home it is still necessary to split the commission with any agents who bring buyers to the table.
Working with a real estate agent is likely to save you money over the long run.
Inspections = Buying Power
1.
Know What You're Buying
Buying a home without getting it inspected is a lot like finding a stray dog and not taking it to the vet. Sure it's cute, but a week later you find out she has fleas and is pregnant.
Getting a home inspected allows you to really know your home. From the HVAC to the soil, a good home inspector will help you uncover costly pitfalls. Because nothing will turn your dream home into a nightmare faster than a crack in the foundation.
2.
Keep You Cash
New home, old homes, nothing is impervious to mistakes. A home inspector can uncover these items before you purchase so that you're not stuck paying the repair bills AFTER you take possession.
By law, once a defect is found, the seller is legally responsible for fixing it.
3.
Negotiating Power
Most sellers are motivated to sell their homes, and often have already found their next home. A motivated seller will most likely not want to take the time to make the repairs reccomened by the inspector. This can help you negotiate a lower purchase price.