Possibly you are thinking about buying real estate either a home or vacant land for a future home? Given current inventory is still low, these tips may be helpful.
Determine Your Bottom Line
This will take some time especially if you are already committed to a residential property or renting. Again, if relocating factor in those moving expenses and setting up new accounts such as utilities, insurance, property taxes, etc. Also determine potential insurance, property taxes, Home Owners Association (HOA) or Property Owner Association (POA) monthly or annual fees as well as future maintenance costs.
By taking this action, you may avoid falling in love with a property above your budget.
Ask a Couple of Family Members or Friends for a Referral
By talking to family members or friends, you may receive several referral recommendations. Look up agent reviews on the Internet and remember there is a human tendency to complain more than to compliment.
Interview Each of these Referred Agents
As in any other profession, real estate agents or REALTORS are supposed to practice within their area of expertise. Through the interview you will hopefully learn about that agent’s experience and expertise. This is the time to ask about their local knowledge such as market trends to utilities from on grid to off grid.
Locate a Local and Knowledgeable Lender
Contact a local lender in the area where the property is located. A local professional real estate agent should be able to provide names of several local lenders. One significant reason that may impact your accepted offer price is local lenders work with local appraisers. The goal is to find a local lender who has a proven track record of closing the "sale."
Another important factor is lenders who are often licensed in numerous states. These out of state lenders may work with an appraisal management firm that looks only to the specific state for licenses for appraisers.
What often happens is out of area appraisers, though state licensed, may not have access to local resale data (the local MLS), may not be aware of that local market and may have a bias toward a particular area within the state. The appraisal report may be substantially lower than the contracted offer price. What that means either the seller accepts the price or you as the buyer must have the financial resources to make up the difference.
Be Pre-Approved Not Just Pre-Qualified
Often buyers believe being pre-qualified means being pre-approved. Unfortunately, that is not true. Pre-approved means you as the buyer have supplied to your lender all financial information, employment information and any other information your lender may require. Pre-qualified is when you have spoken with a lender and from that verbal communication the lender suggests you can afford such and such loan without any financial documentation.
Get a Feel for the Neighborhood and Community
During daylight hours, drive around the neighborhood and get a feel for this. Undertake some research as to what is important to you such as schools, city/county services such as fire department and police, utilities from water to sewer to electricity and other amenities from medical to shopping.
If you are located out of the area, your professional local real estate agent/REALTOR will be able to support you in this endeavor. Again working with a local real estate agent is essential as that agent will know the areas especially if you are seeking rural land that may not be street vehicle friendly.
By taking these planning actions when buying real estate will help you as well as your agent avoid wasted time, additional stress and unnecessary disappointment. These words by President Eisenhower may strengthen you in your efforts:
"Plans are worthless; planning is everything."
Leanne M Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent Who Goes the Extra Mile Because Life Begins Where the Pavement Ends.
Beginning your home or vacant land search is thrilling, but having a plan is key to success! 🏡 Start by setting a budget and getting pre-approved before diving into listings. Need help navigating the process? Reach out today, and let’s find your perfect home or vacant land for that little piece of heaven!
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Feature Photo Courtesy of ListReports
Any reproduction of Leanne M Smith’s blog for use by any AI or GAI, distribution or reproduction including but not limited to electronic newsletters e.g. PDF’s Internet sites or physical products e.g. newspapers, CDs without prior written permission and consent by me, Leanne M. Smith (Leanne Hoagland-Smith) is strictly prohibited.
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