Many home buyers, especially first time home buyers have multitudes of questions when it comes to purchasing a house. What should be first on my agenda? How will I know if I've chosen the right house? Is there anything I should NOT do? And this list could continue on and on and on!
While this writing is not about most of these questions, it does cover some simple steps you should be prepared for when making your house purchase.
Deal With Getting Your Pre-approval For A Mortgage Right Up Front
Someone stopped by the office the other day and inquired about house shopping. The first thing I indicated is the importance of being pre-approved for a mortgage. In fact, as an agent, I only show houses to those who have taken this first step. This way, you can see everything in your price range and travel anywhere you want to go to see them. It is one sure way to avoid falling in love with a house you cannot afford. It also tells agents and sellers you are a serious buyer.
Look For An Agent That Understands The Value Of The Internet
When you go looking for a Real Estate Agent, make sure the one you choose is heavily involved in technology. Just having a website is NEVER enough. Their website, email and branding should reflect the agent is serious about what they do. Their website will show the agent as being dedicated to the business of helping people like you find a house. The website should contain the Northern VA Real Estate Multiple Listing Service, Northern Virginia Information and Area Links, a serious Northern VA Real Estate Blog, information About the Agent and other Helpful Articles. Then try this: Email the Agent. How long does it take for the agent to get back with you? Anything over a few hours is too long. Does the agent even write back at all?
Begin searching for your house on the Internet at the Agent's site
Now that you feel comfortable with a Real Estate Agent, go to his/her site and begin using the MLS. If you are stumped about anything ask your agent to go over some of the simple steps of using the MLS. Make sure you ask your agent how to set up your criteria specific searches.
Go House Hunting
Now it's time to look at houses. The way I work is, once you are pre-approved and have selected some houses (any house) in your price range that you want to see, I will then take you to view that house or the homes you've selected.
When You Find The Right House - Make The Offer!
When you find the right house, ask the agent to help you prepare your offer. There will be contracts to fill out, signatures and don't forget your deposit. It should indicate you are a serious buyer.
Follow up on any contingencies
This is huge. If you've asked for contingencies and the seller has agreed to them, they all must be met within the timeframe agreed on. With your agents help, write down the steps necessary to keep you performing according to the contract.
Endeavor to enjoy the close
Some people come to the closing table all stressed, worried and thinking it will be a nail biting experience. My goal as an agent is to make it as positive, helpful and informative as possible. Never hesitate to look at the closing agent and say, "please explain" one more time.
Finally and most important, enjoy your new house and develop a personal goal of making it your home.
David L. Burrows, Realtor®
Envirian of Warrenton
Warrenton, Virginia 20186
Phone: 703.391.9200 x9119
Burrows Properties
A Burrows' Thought worth considering: Buying a house involves commitment to the task before you. My definition of commitment is translated inconvenience. Expect the unexpected after you have a contract. Something always develops that you didn't expect to happen. When it does, remain calm and absolutely resolved to see everything through to the end. By the way, this is when you lean on your Realtor.
Interested in Some Great Reading on selling your home? Take a look at these articles on my website: Selling Your Home: Where do you begin?
Seller Guidance: I would encourage you to employ a Realtor®® to help you sell your home. When your agent or another agent is showing your house, go away and let them do your work for you. I also urge you to utilize my FREE SELLERS TOOLKIT before selling your house.
Buyer Guidance: I would encourage you to really check out anything and everything you are told by a well meaning seller. Employ the services of a Buyer's Agent to help you discern what you read and listen to about the area you are thinking of calling home. I would also urge you to get my FREE BUYERS TOOLKIT before heading out on the journey to find your new house.
Try this powerful link to help you find your next home: Fairfax Homes For Sale
The search engine on my site will allow you to find a house by Mapping, County, Subdivision, Zip Code, Address or City. I encourage you to try the Fairfax MLS and in fact, search the entire Northern VA Real Estate area.
Northern Virginia Information - Here you will find answers to your questions about schools, auto registration, taxes, things to do this weekend, popular destinations. It only takes a moment to look and it is free with no registration required!
Click on the following link for your Complimentary eCalendar & Daily Planner. This is a Free Gift from David. There is absolutely NO sign-up, registration, tricks, or gimmicks. It really is free for you to enjoy! This is a great tool for keeping track of your schedule for all of your Real Estate needs. There is NO obligation.
Visit the Northern Virginia MLS, on my other Website. There you will find Northern VA Homes For Sale and Northern VA Real Estate.
This blog may contain links to other Web sites operated by third parties. These links are provided as a convenience to access the information contained therein. David Burrows and Envirian of Warrenton have not reviewed all of the information on other sites and disclaim any responsibility for the content of any other sites or the products or services that may be offered on or through those sites. Inclusion of a link to another site does not indicate any endorsement or approval of the site or its content.
David Burrows and Envirian of Warrenton disclaim liability for any damages or losses, direct or indirect, that may result from use of or reliance on information contained in this blog.
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