If real estate is a new thing for you, you need to learn a few things before considering buying anything. We offer the following tips to guide you on your way to successful real estate buying.
If you are a real estate agent, you should seriously consider sending out cards during the holidays and on anniversaries you share with your clients. Additional contact from you will help them remember how valuable your services were during their real estate experience. Do take the opportunity to emphasize that you would consider it an honor if they would pass along your details to any of their friends who may be in need of your services.
If you are thinking about moving, you may want to research the neighborhoods of properties you are interested in online. You will be able to find a lot of information, even about small towns. Look into the unemployment rates, population and salaries in the town to be sure that there is a future there.
When considering the purchase of a new home, it’s very important that you look at the long-term and not just the short-term. At the moment you might not have kids, but if this is a place where you plan on living for awhile then you might want to check out the local school situation to ensure it is suitable for your kids.
Keep an open mind in regard to what elements are the most critical in your real estate hunt. Finding the perfect home in a perfect community can be almost impossible. Those who are flexible can make a choice on which aspect is most important to them. If you can’t find a home in the area you want, shop for one in a similar area.
Property Value
When you are looking to make a great investment on your real estate, you should consider doing some repair and remodel work. You will have the benefit of having an immediate return on your investment as your property value will go up. Sometimes your property value will increase more than the money you put in.
When making an offer on the home you’re interested in, ask the seller about financial incentives and closing costs. Ask them about “buying down” your interest rate for about a couple of years. However, if you add financial incentives to the offer, a seller will be less likely to negotiate the selling price.
Before choosing a neighborhood to settle down in, check the national data base for sex offenders living in that area. While the sex offender registry is public, you had best check it yourself, as the agent and seller are unlikely to voluntarily disclose this information. Research it yourself for peace of mind.
It is not necessary to purchase a home with fireplaces in every room. Learn more about fireplaces and find out how much getting one cleaned regularly costs before making your decision.
When interviewing agents to help you through the buying process, find out how long each agent has lived in the town or area in which you are searching. If an agent is new to a community or the business, they are likely devoid of deep knowledge regarding local roads, neighborhood restrictions and the general community. The ideal situation is to find an agent who either works in the area, or has lived there for 10 years or more.
Get a home guarantee by way of a warranty. When purchasing a new home, either from the builder, or an older home from the previous owner, ask for a warranty. Builders usually offer a warranty on the work they do for a designated amount of time. The last owner should be prepared to obtain a home warranty that is valid for a minimum period of 12 months in case of any necessary repairs.
Buying a new home can be a daunting experience, but if you do your research and use some common sense, you’ll be in your new home in no time. If you use the above advice to your advantage, you will become a savvy property buyer in no time.