ClickVick.net

Buying a home can be a wonderful life experience. It also can be a great investment. You will need to educate yourself and do your research in order to have a successful purchase. Save yourself time, energy and money by following these valuable homebuyer tips.

Homebuyer Tips 1

Find a real estate agent to guide you through the process.   A real estate agent can pre-qualify you for a loan, answer questions about neighborhoods, recommend lenders and even coordinate the closing–all while saving you time and money. To find the right agent, look for someone who makes you feel comfortable and listens to your needs.

Homebuyer Tips 2

Take a careful look at your finances and talk to at least three lenders to find the right loan. It’s extremely important to have a clear idea of your financial situation before you start looking for a home. Not only will this help you set a budget, but financial records will come in handy when you start shopping for a loan. Make sure to talk with several lenders before making a decision. While interest rates and closing costs are important considerations, you also want your lender to explain things in a way you can understand and make time for your questions.

Homebuyer Tips 3

Check the neighborhood carefully to make sure it has held its value. Focus on areas that meet your needs, budget and personal taste. Factors to pay special attention to include convenient access to transportation, employment, schools and stores. The right neighborhood should also make you feel safe, offer recreational opportunities, and have adequate police and fire protection.

Homebuyer Tips 4

Hire a professional home inspector.  During any house showing, be alert for signs of structural weakness, water damage, pest infestations or other things that just don’t “look” right. Conversely, don’t overlook an otherwise suitable home just because it has cosmetic problems like outdated carpet or a bad paint job. Most importantly, never purchase a home without first having it thoroughly examined by a professional home inspector.

Homebuyer Tips 5

Use contingencies as negotiation tools.  Don’t rely on price as your sole bargaining chip. Contingencies may be written into the contract to specify how certain aspects of the transaction will be handled–everything from standard contingencies like pest inspections, to contingencies for the seller to leave the drapes or pay the buyer’s closing costs. Make sure any verbal agreements are written into the contract and that you read ALL the fine print before signing.

Homebuyer Tips 6

Budget for closing costs.  The closing represents the completion of the sale. Be prepared to sign numerous documents as well as pay funds for loan costs, property taxes, insurance and other fees. Try and get a copy of the documents prior to the close so you can contact the settlement agent or escrow officer if any of the information seems wrong or is unclear.

Other Related Homebuyer Tips Articles:

Tax Breaks for Buying a Home
More Home Buying Tips & Advice

Tags: homebuyer, homebuyer tips, negotiating tools

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.