An Inside Out Approach
Before you sell yourself on a “great deal” think about the qualities and criteria of what you want in a home. Start by asking yourself what drives you nuts about your current home and what would solve that problem. Do you want an easier commute, lower payment, or more space around you? Make a simple list of what is important and keep it handy. Although its perfectly normal to change directions, you want to start in your own blocks. Otherwise, you may find yourself at an Open House getting SOLD a home that doesn’t really meet your needs.
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Access To New Listings
Over 98% of home buyers begin their search their own online because it gives us a chance to research the market, different communities, and almost gives us a chance to “test drive” the market. We can look at homes in a particular price range, look at the pictures and ask ourselves if we would consider buying there. Online Real Estate sites are great for this purpose, but when you are ready to begin your search, its best to ask a pro to set you up on an MLS search. The MLS (Multiple Listing Service) is a real time, live, list of homes for sale and, although many online sites pull their data from the MLS, how often becomes the question. Remember that most online sites for Real Estate are online businesses that don’t profit from you buying or selling. Their money is made when you click for more information and share your contact info which is sold to Realtors or Lenders looking for business.
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PreApprove!!
There is no downside to having a chat with a Mortgage Professional if you are considering buying a home and its impossible have this meeting too early. A great lender will provide you with a free credit report and a financial analysis to ensure you qualify for the home you want and find the payment range you’re comfortable with. In addition to the education and the clearer focus, you’re also looking for a FULL UNDERWRITTEN APPROVAL. Why? Without it, you’re almost certain to find the home of your dreams being just out of reach. Next to no offer, regardless of the offer price, will be considered without it.
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It’s Not Always About Price - Offer Wisely
With so much pent up demand for housing and more buyers in the market than homes for sale, most home shoppers feel obligated to offer more than they want to on a home. Many times, the best homes priced to sell will require an aggressive price, but understanding the sellers needs and situation helps to customize your offer to best suit their needs. Do the current home owners need some time to find another home? Do they need to rent back to the buyer in order to transition? Make sure you entrust an agent who is professional, diligent, and friendly who can get to know the seller so that your offer sparkles with no question marks. Sometimes, a perfectly prepared, sincere and complete offer will beat of a higher slapped together offer.
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SEARCHING MADE EASY
Do you really know what you want? Do you have a particular community in mind? Or maybe a view, privacy, or a pool? Online home shopping is time consuming and frustrating once you’ve narrowed down, so take advantage of my customized home search.
Simply input what you want and the moment a home that matches your specific criteria is listed, you will be alerted by email so you can be first to tour and offer. Not in a hurry to buy? The frequency can be adjusted to suit your needs.
The key is to get the hottest new listings in front of you as easily as possible. Click here to join at no cost or obligation to ever buy a home.
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