SPECIAL SECTION:
Real Estate
are making it easier for borrowers with more debt to
still qualify.
2. Agent. Having a real estate agent in your corner for a
first-time purchase is key. Agents will not only help you
navigate the home-buying process, but can also be a
valuable resource for an inside look at new homes that
go on the market. This gives buyers the opportunity to
view homes that may not have made it onto real estate
websites for public viewing.
3. Location. Your dream house may not be in your dream
location, and your dream location may not have your
dream house. Don’t get stuck in a rut if you’re not seeing
everything you want in your price range. Typically, you’ll
need to make some compromises with your first home.
Keep a few non-negotiables in your back pocket, but
otherwise be open to the idea of putting some of your
own upgrades and changes into a home that may not
have everything on your wish list.
4. Home. Don’t get stuck in the mindset that you should
spend every dollar that you qualify for in your mortgage.
This could lead to bigger problems down the road. Look
in the market under your max budget and be creative
when looking at homes for ways to make improvements
or changes that better fit your needs. A little bit of sweat
equity can go a long way and will give the home your
own personal touch.
5. Offer. Once you’ve found a house you want to call
“home,” work with your real estate agent to come up
with an offer the seller can’t refuse. Whether the house
needs some improvements or it’s a hot buy on the
market, your agent can guide you into making a serious
offer to the seller. If you’re feeling passionate about the
home, write the seller a letter explaining why you’re the
best buyer for the home. These touches can sometimes
be the difference between getting the house of your
dreams, or losing it to another buyer.
6. Moving. You’ve done it! You’ve purchased your first
home. Now that you have a mortgage to pay, keep in
mind some money-saving tips, like asking your closest
family and friends to help you move! A little pizza can
go a long way when looking for some extra help. Make
a plan for those personal touches to add to your home.
Test out paint colors in each room to make sure you like
the color in the daylight. Purchase furniture after making
detailed measurements (you don’t want to come home
with something that doesn’t fit!). Add some curb appeal
as a finishing touch and as a way to meet your new
neighbors!
look. He/she will be able to point out potential issues that
you may not see when trying to make such an important
decision.
8. SELLING:
Ignore the housing market.
Don’t waste your time watching the housing market for
the best time to sell. According to Investopedia, “it doesn’t
matter what your home is worth at any given moment
except the moment when you sell it. Being able to choose
when you sell your home, rather than being forced to sell it
due to job relocation or financial distress, will be the biggest
determinant of whether you will see a solid profit from your
investment.”
9. SELLING:
Will renovating always increase my resale value?
Make conscious decisions when renovating your home.
While newer will entice potential buyers, be cognizant of
what rooms you update and how you do it. While updated
kitchens will increase the value of your home, be sure to
appeal to a wide range of tastes. A good place to start is with
the appliances. Realtor.com states that homes with stainless
steel appliances sell 15 percent faster than those without.
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SEWICKLEY
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SUMMER 2019
21