SPECIAL SECTION:
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!
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724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE
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Real Estate
10. SELLING:
Don’t spend earnest money!
Many sellers make the mistake of depositing and spending
earnest money before closing day. If the transaction doesn’t go
through or the buyer pulls out due to repair issues, it is up to the
seller to return the cash. It is recommended to have a real estate
agent or broker hold the deposit. Most buyers’ earnest money will
be held in an escrow account until the closing day, allowing the
money to remain untouched by either party.
FUN FACT:
Get the name and numbers.
Just when you think you’ve checked all the boxes for an easy sell
of your house, take a second look at your address. According to
Zillow, street names and house numbers matter! If you happen to
live at 666 Fanny Hands Lane, you may be out of luck (however
that particular street is in the United Kingdom, so you should be
safe). Innuendo-laden street names tend to not sell as quickly as
something more like Thunder Road. American numerology says
that 666 is bad luck and could decrease the value of your home
by 2-3 percent. Also, steer clear of the number four, considered
unlucky in Chinese culture. Stick to the number eight, or include
the lucky digits 316 in your asking price!
Before entering the real estate market, educate yourself. The
more you know, the better your chances are for nailing down the
home of your dreams! ■