We're Ready to Look at Homes!

By Gayle Oberg, Realtor®

Expert Advice for Home Planning

Things can move fast once you have tied the knot and settled down.

You’ve established a rapport with a lender, reviewed your finances and determined what you price range is. Now it is time to find a REALTOR® and begin to visit properties. This is a very exciting part of the process. It may be your first home purchase. It is important look at everything in your price range and geographical area. The information you will gather as you compare properties will be very helpful. At the end of the day, after viewing properties, as you are relaxing, make notes of the pros and cons of each property. This will help you remember what you liked and disliked as you continue to view properties.

Once you have reviewed the options available, determine your top two or three. Spend a little time in each area, visit at different times of the day, and even take a walk down the streets. If there is a local restaurant, stop in! This will help you get a feel for the area. Drive around the entire neighborhood. Next, visit your top properties a second and even a third time. Bring family and friends along with you if you want.

A building inspection should be a part of the process, and your inspector will inform you of the current condition of theproperty, but before you get that far, take a look at the four most expensive and important components: the roof, the heating system, water supply and the septic system (if it is not on municipal water & sewer). These are important to be aware of in case one (or more) will need to be replaced or repaired in the near future.

Consider your top choices

As you are considering your top choices, ask for the annual expenses for the property. If it is in a homeowners association, be sure to ask what the monthly fees are, what they cover and if there are any expected/planned special assessments coming. Your goal here is to make sure you are getting into something that fits into your budget.

This is one of the biggest decisions you will make, and one of the most important investments of your life! Gather as much information as you can about the property. Ask your agent for market data on the area and comparable houses that have sold in the past 6 to 12 months. Once you are fully educated about the process and the market, you will be ready to make an offer! Try to keep your emotions in check as you negotiate with the seller. It is best to decide ahead of time what the top price you will pay it. If you have discussed this first, it is easier to stay within your budget.

One important thing to consider as you go through this process is that this will take time and energy. Be prepared to spend time looking and energy educating yourselves about the properties and the process. You should feel confident and comfortable with your decisions.

 

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Gayle Oberg

Gayle Oberg: The Oberg Team

Kelli Driscoll joined Gayle in September of 2010 and The Oberg Team was formed.

E-mail: gayle [at] theobergteam.com.

Please visit online at www.theobergteam.com.

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