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Buying a Home
Whether you've spent years saving and preparing to buy a home, or are unsure if you can afford it, the questions surrounding a house purchase can feel endless.
You can find the answers -- and peace of mind -- by working with Jill Campbell at RE/MAX Town Center.
Here are some tips to help you become your own landlord:
- Hire real estate professionals.
The first step is to select the professionals, Jill Campbell & Pam Lykens, to help you find your dream home and fine-tune your financial expectations. These real estate professionals can guide you through every step to buying a home.
- Shop for mortgage rates and terms.
A difference of even half a percentage point can make a huge difference in how much you pay over the life of a loan.
- Prequalify for a loan.
Your third step should be to get prequalified, which determines how much you can afford. It allows you to move swiftly when you find the right home, especially when there are other interested buyers. It also indicates to the seller that you are serious and really can afford to the property.
- Define what you want.
The next step is to create a realistic idea of the property you'd like to buy. What features are most important to you? Make two lists: one of the items you can't live without and one of the features you would enjoy. Refine the lists as you house hunt.
- Visit properties.
Now you're ready to visit houses. Ask your real estate professionals, Jill Campbell and Pam Lykens, to arrange showings, and keep track of the properties you've seen. After touring each home, write down what you liked and didn't like. Develop a rating system that will help narrow the field down
- Know the features that help or hurt resale.
In some areas, a swimming pool actually detracts from a home's value and makes it harder to sell. In neighborhoods with two-car, attached garages, a single-car or detached garage may impact the home sale and future value. Your real estate professionals, Jill Campbell and Pam Lykens, can point out features that hurt, and those that help, resale value.
- Make an offer.
Once you've pinpointed your dream house, it's time to get serious about the financial and contractual side of the purchase. Your real estate professionals, Jill Campbell and Pam Lykens, will be a strong advantage since you and the seller have different goals.
- Arrange for a home inspection.
Your real estate professionals can help find a reputable inspector. Also, ask your real estate professionals, Jill Campbell and Pam Lykens, about home protection plans, which may save you money in the near future
- Close.
Your real estate professionals will coordinate the closing with the Title Company providing contractual agreed upon details and fees for services. They will make sure your home closes on time and funds are received by the seller.
- Prepare for life in your new home.
Before rolling out the welcome mat, consider some moving basics: arranging for an alarm company, turning on electricity, water and gas, cleaning or replacing the carpet, and notifying your local post office of your new address.
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