TIPS FOR HOMEBUYERS
Buying a home is a huge investment, and if you have made the decision you are probably excited, nervous, confused and eager to get all the information you can. There is an overwhelming amount of information, tips and strategies on the Internet and bookstores.
Do you have time for all that information? You need a reference guide to help you through the process, to highlight the critical steps that must be covered.
Avoid the stress and frustration of not getting it right the first time, by arming yourself with the right information.
Find out what you need to get started on this information hunt and the exciting process of purchasing your home.Home Inspection - Get it right the first time!
The home looks perfect! You are all set to buy it and fulfill your dream. Don't let this dream turn into a nightmare because you did not get a home inspection.
According to a study conducted by the American Society of Home Inspectors and the National Association of REALTORS® in 2001, 77% of all homebuyers insisted on a home inspection prior to purchasing their property, and 97% of that group believes the service was a good value for the price.
A home inspection is the second major contingency after the financial contingency, before you decide to purchase your home. This is where you have the right to back out of the deal, if the report indicates serious problems.
It is often said: "Experience is the best teacher". Learn from the experiences of others, so that you don't fall prey to the same mistakes.
A small amount of additional time that you spend now can go a long way in preserving the safety and beauty of your home. Find out what are the "Must Inspect" areas of your house.Condo Or Town Home - focus on your needs first
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Confused about the type of home you want to buy! Read this first before you decide.Understanding the distinction between different types of homes is the key to making a successful choice. Find out what these differences are and why they matter!
Make sure you take stock of your needs and the property attributes before you make a decision. Request a detailed report to find out all the issues you need to consider.
Avoid a mismatch that you may regret later. Find out if there is a match between your preferences and the type of home you are considering.
Condominium defined:
A real estate project in which each unit owner has title to a unit in a building, an undivided interest in the common areas of the project, and sometimes the exclusive use of certain limited common areas.
Town home defined:
An attached home that is not a condominium. A style of housing structure that employs common walls. An attached housing forming part of a cluster of homes that share some common groundsYour Home - New or Resale?
Old can be better than gold, if it ends up being the right fit for your family: You are ready to buy a home, but have you decided on brand-new or existing?
Existing homes typically have larger bedrooms and give you more space for your money. They are often located in established neighborhoods and have developed orchards and tall trees in addition to "character".
On the other hand:
New homes can be built around your preferences: you select the tile, colors, patterns, and optional upgrades. New homes typically have energy-efficient appliances and new plumbing and electrical systems in place. They also typically have larger closets and larger master bathrooms. There is less essential maintenance, at least for the first few years; however the cost reflects the added convenience.Dazzle of the new, or comfort and value of the old? Find out what will be a good fit for you.
What will give you the most happiness, comfort and convenience? A new home or an existing one? You may be in for a surprise about what suits you best.
.Negotiating the deal - Best Strategies
If you are selling, you want the most money for your home.
If you are buying, you want the most home for the least money.
Negotiation, no matter what it involves, is about give and take. The person with the stronger alternative, usually gets more, but in a successful negotiation both sides will end up with a compromise and no one will feel deceived or taken advantage of.
Get the latest tips on negotiation strategy! Request the report and find out how you can evolve into a good negotiator.
Try to take the help of your agent, as they will help in keeping strong emotions at bay. Remember, everyone realizes that the first offer is below what you expect to pay for the property. The key to a successful negotiation is to be aware that it is a mind game. You should play up your strengths through your agent. Tell your agent to communicate that your offer is fair and that you are flexible on other factors because you are very interested in the property.You can buy with ZERO Down
How wise is your investment!
Renting - Zero investment
Owning - Good Investment and Proud OwnerSmart financing begins with investing in your future. Stop the money from flowing into the drain by owning your home instead of paying rent each month. When you rent, you are not an owner. To top that you cannot claim a deduction on the interest you pay on your mortgage. In essence you are building equity in the property for someone else.
Whatever your job, credit, income and asset situation, there are creative financing programs available for buying real estate with zero payment down. Did you know that there are invariably five to eight types of home loans with low down payment, low interest and monthly payments that you can qualify for?
As an Example: These are just examples: Please call your Leander or contact me for more details
Mortgage Type
Monthly Payment
Interest Rate
Do Rate Changes?
Build Equity
30 Year Fixed
Average
Average
Never Change
Average
40 Year Fixed
Notably Lower
Slightly Higher
Never Change
Slower
15 year Fixed
Notably Higher
Notably Lower
Never Change
Notably Faster