SPECIAL SECTION:
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!
30
724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE
❘
icmags.com
Real Estate
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! ■