Carpenter Real Estate Group - Home Buying Secrets

Home…more than just a place to hang your hat!

Decide where you want to live. Which area will fit your family’s lifestyle?

Do you have a clear picture of the home you visualize living in?

What can you afford? Do you have cash available for a down payment? Do you need help determining what you can realistically pay for monthly?

Now is the time to make a list of your must have and would like (but can do without) features.

Have you considered the future? Does your must have list accommodate a growing family’s needs?

Are you aware of programs in place to help first homebuyers?

Reviewing MLS listings and looking with a critical eye are important facets of finding the right home. Be sure to dedicate sufficient time to this process. But remember, our VIP Buyers receive notification of listings that fit their criteria, ahead of the general marketplace, making it easier to have “first look” at desirable properties.

Be prepared to negotiate once you have found the right home. Knowing what you will and won’t pay is a powerful asset when negotiating. Pre-determine, with your realtors help, what your top price will be before you go into the negotiation, then you won’t be tempted to offer outside of your financial comfort zone. Your realtor will also help you with any conditions you want to include (subject to financing, subject to inspection, etc.) with your offer.

Call in an expert Inspector. It’s good to know what you are getting into ahead of time. When buying a used car, you would take it to a third party for their expert opinion; it makes even more sense to do that with your home, considering the value of the purchase. You will receive a written report of the findings and know what will need attention in the next few years. It’s better to have any surprises now, while you are in a position to reconsider your offer to purchase.

Finalize the details for your financing. There are some documents you will need to provide, beginning with a copy of the listing, offer, Property Disclosure, Form B. Your realtor will help you with these documents. Hire a lawyer or notary to document the purchase, financing and transfer the title.

Plan your move. The end of the month is the busiest time to move. Arranging your move at another time of the month will be cheaper and easier to arrange. You should consider this when you are making the offer and negotiate your completion and possession dates accordingly.