Buying Real Estate For The First Time
September 26, 2009
Buying a home for the very first time is both exciting and terrifying in spite of its numerous advantages such as value appreciation, tax breaks, and deductible depreciation costs etcetera.
(there is a free ebook: 101 Tips For Selling Your House,for you to download, from a link at the bottom of this page).
Despite the advantages there are also vulnerabilities and risks that you have to contend with during the acquisition process. You can manage these risks and lessen the stressful process by observing the following guidelines.
Seek the help of a mortgage broker or mortgage specialist to help you determine your budget, secure a pre-approval for your mortgage and to have him assist you in the home acquisition process.
As soon as you have done the above, most especially getting a pre-approval for your mortgage loan, you can then start the process of searching for your dream home. As soon as you have a short list of homes that interest you, get in touch with a real estate agent. Having a buyer’s agent costs you nothing since it is the seller who pays all the fees. But if the owner is selling on his own, then the situation becomes better for you as the price of the home would be lesser than if there was a real estate broker involved.
Make sure that the location of the property meets your needs and specifications.
Make sure you get a disclosure statement from the buyer or the real estate broker.
Do not allow yourself to be pressured by the real estate broker or seller.
Before you ask to view the short-listed properties, conduct your own research to identify any problems or issues that might impact the acquisition and the amount of your offer.
As soon as you have decided on one particular property, visit the neighborhood during night time as well.
Interview the neighbors regarding schools in the district, playgrounds, and other amenities.
Find out the property value taxes in the neighborhood and inquire about neighborhood association fees if any.
With the assistance of a lawyer, make a formal offer, give a deposit and outline all of the conditions and terms of your offer.
Provide the owner a copy of your pre-approval to signify the seriousness of your intent in buying the property.
Request all necessary documentation from the owner including title clearance within a specified number of days so as not to prolong the buying process.
It normally takes 30 to 90 days from the date of offer to complete a home acquisition deal but it is very important that all terms and conditions and guidelines between you and the seller are taken cared of as early as possible.
It is always best to educate yourself when buying real estate and not simply rely on the real estate broker, the owner or somebody else to provide you with the necessary information. This makes the home buying process much more exciting!
Gerald Mason
http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/buying-real-estate-for-the-first-time-103218.html
Buying a House – 12 Ways to Signal Your Real Estate Agent
September 1, 2009
You can learn how to take advantage of your real estate agent’s expertise before buying a house.
You’ve probably heard home buyers routinely complain how their agent didn’t do enough while they were buying a house. In truth, most buyers don’t know what to look for from a real estate professional in order to receive the best results.
With proper homework while shopping for a Realtor, you can be assured you’ve located someone who will watch out for your best interests. She is there to help you make better home buying decisions. So here are some ways your real estate agent can help in the decision buying process and questions you can ask to signal when you want her assistance.
1- A case in point, once you have toured several properties, ask your Realtor to help you rank your choices. An experienced agent can guide you to clarify your prospects and narrow down the field.
2- Additionally your Realtor can assist you regarding finances. Almost everyone buying a house needs a mortgage. Because agents are constantly in contact with lenders, they are often the best source of referrals to mortgage brokers and bankers. They have the inside track on lenders that have serviced other clients well in the past. Based on your particular needs, request at least two referrals of mortgage bankers.
3- Accordingly use your agent to discuss your concerns. When it is time to make decisions it is often good to have an objective opinion. Your agent can assist you in buying a house by pointing out trade-offs and how to set priorities.
4- From the start explain what your housing desires are so your agent can easily point out neighborhoods, communities, and developments that seem right for you. Good real estate agents are out visiting properties to stay current. So be sure and indicate that you welcome input.
5- Everybody understands buying a house is an emotional decision but it is important to know the facts too. Your agent has access to recent comparable sales, how long property has been on the market, and details regarding the area. It would be a shame not to take advantage of her expertise.
6- Along these same lines, if you work with an agent closely she can alert you to property that just came on the market or perhaps is about to be listed. So make sure your Realtor knows that you intend to work exclusively with her. Your loyalty will be rewarded.
7- Real estate professionals are also well versed in Seller Disclosure Statements and can help you wade through this detailed disclosure provided by sellers. This form is designed to reveal any defects regarding the desirability of the home and neighborhood. Your agent sees these disclosures routinely so be sure to request assistance.
8- Because real estate agents see so many houses they can also be sources of advice regarding redecorating, renovating, or remodeling a particular home. We all have a tendency to spend money on upgrades that might provide little or no return. Look at the property through the eyes of your Realtor to plan for value added improvements to the home.
9- The best agents are adept at following the process of buying a house from your first meeting to the final close. You should expect your transaction to be followed from beginning to end.
10- From the initial process of buying a house to signing final documents, you will have many experiences. Your real estate agent is comfortable with the roles of the seller’s agent, lender, appraiser, escrow officer and homeowner insurance agent. Realtors are trained and equipped to work through each step of this process.
11- In my opinion, here is what makes your agent worth her weight in gold. Because of seeing hundreds of real estate transactions a year, she is better able to anticipate problems ahead of time. Diligent agents know how to trouble shoot issues before they get out control. This is probably the most important service your agent can provide and the least obvious. So be happy when your house closes without a hitch. It’s outstanding proof of your agent’s performance.
12- Finally be sure and ask your real estate agent from the start to keep you fully informed concerning the state of your purchase. This is second nature for most Realtors. But it is okay to signal that you want to be kept in the loop at all times.
If you know what to expect from your real estate agent it should be easy to send the right signals and benefit from her expertise while buying a house.
Kate Ford
http://www.articlesbase.com/finance-articles/buying-a-house-12-ways-to-signal-your-real-estate-agent-711102.html