Andrew And Associates

Simplifying The Home Purchasing Process

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Purchasing a new home is always an exciting event, no matter how many homes you’ve purchased in the past. The process of purchasing your home involves your savings, credit and financial freedom. When you decide to purchase your new home, you want to make sure you feel good about your purchase and it achieves the goals for you and your family. Too often, emotions rush in and rash judgments are made. Because this is one of largest investments you’ll ever make, you want to avoid emotional decisions as much as possible.

Before Your Begin Looking for a Home
Your first priority before beginning to look at homes should be to set realistic goals on what you want in a new home. Carefully consider what you want versus what would be nice. Get as much detail as possible. Then, prioritize your list for those features which are most important to you. In purchasing a home, you will almost always compromise on some of the features you want. But, if you have the most important features firmly fixed in your mind, you’re more likely to be happy with your purchase.

Find Out How Much You Can Afford
You need to know exactly how much you can afford to spend on a home before you begin looking. To do this, you need to get pre-approved by a reputable lender. Before meeting with the lender, you should write down your monthly expenditures and income. A good budget would be helpful. Once you know what you can realistically afford, the lender will help you determine what you can spend for your new home. Because you will be in your home for several years, you want to consider your needs now, as well as, in the future. Your job may change; your family may grow, etc.

Don’t Make Emotional Decisions
Looking for a home can really be exciting. However, don’t let emotions cloud your judgment. You’ll see homes that have beautiful lawns and outstanding architectural features. That does not mean the house is the one for you. Keep in mind that the appearance of the home and yard can usually be changed. Many people make the mistake of judging a home by way the current owner has decorated. Remember, you will bring in your furniture and furnishings. Most of what is in the home will be gone once the seller moves.

Compare Multiple Homes
If you fall in love with the first home you see, don’t stop looking. You don’t have to look at every house for sale in the neighborhood, but you do need to look at enough properties to get a good feeling about your potential purchase. By looking and comparing, you’ll get a pretty good idea on the value of the home that is right for you. This will save you money and peace of mind in the long run. 

Check Out the Home Before You Purchase
Once you think you’ve found the right home, check it out thoroughly. You should have a professional home inspector look at the home. Then, go over the report very carefully. This will give you a lot of clout in negotiating the purchase price. Your real estate agent should be able to recommend a good home inspector for you. Never assume anything. Check it out. Inspect it carefully. You can save a lot of stress and heartache.

In addition to the inspection, check out the cost and expenses for owning the home. What has the current owner paid for utilities during the past twelve months? How much will home insurance cost? What are the property taxes? Ask a lot of questions. Get all the detail you can.

Select a Professional and Competent Team to Work for You
Selecting the right real estate agent and lender can save you not only a lot of time, but many potential headaches. Each of these professionals will work hand in hand with you to help you achieve your dream of purchasing the right home for you.

Make a Final Walk Through Before Signing the Contract
Once everything has been moved out of the home, make a final walk through to inspect the home. You don’t want any surprises. Verify that the home is in the same condition you specified in the contract.

Be Flexible
Don’t get too concerned about a closing date changing. Sometimes you can close earlier than expected. Sometimes, it may be later. Develop a back up plan in the event that your closing is delayed. When you are prepared, it makes the transition go smoother.

Don’t be surprised when you make an offer and the seller makes a counter offer. Negotiation is the heart and soul of real estate. Just keep in mind the plan you established at the beginning and try to stay as close as possible to it.

Always Put Promises and Agreements in Writing
If you make promises or agreements during the process of purchasing your home, be sure they are in writing. It it’s not in writing, it has no value. To insure that nothing is misunderstood, intentionally or unintentionally, make sure your Real Estate agent has all agreements on paper and signed… no exceptions!

Always be Up Front and Honest
Once you’ve selected your team of professionals, always be up front and honest with them. They will return the favor by helping you get into your new home as smoothly as possible. If there are credit or other problems you need to resolve, your team can help you resolve those before you begin the searching process.

Carefully Select Your Agent
A full-time professional real estate agent is a must. Far too often, people select a relative or friend just because they know them. You have way too much to invest to leave your success to chance. Your agent should be knowledgeable about the homes currently for sale in your price range, as well as those that have recently sold. A good agent will know reputable lenders that provide excellent service and competitive rates. In short, a good agent will help you get the most home for the money.

Do you have questions or need advice you can count on or just want to discuss this further?

Don’t waste any more time; pick up the phone and call me now!  I’m here to help!

I offer a five star guarantee. I appreciate your business, loyalty, trust and referrals. My goal is to provide the very best counsel and advice to meet your real estate needs. If I can assist you, a relative, friend or co-worker, please give me a call. I look forward to the opportunity to serve you.

For prompt, courteous, professional service, call Larry Andrew: