RE/MAX Four Seasons For Buyers: Buyer Tips
RE/MAX Four Seasons For Buyers: Buyer Tips
Finding the right home is an exciting and sometimes frustrating process. Expectations, emotions, financials and other hurdles all must be balanced and overcome. With that in mind, RE/MAX Four Seasons has put together some thoughts, advice and tips to help make your home-buying experience and enjoyable one.

If you have further questions about the buying process, please contact RE/MAX Four Seasons.

  1. Make A List


    Before you start looking for a home, sit down and make a list of the features you're looking for in a home:
    • How many bedrooms and baths do you need?
    • Which school districts and neighborhoods do you like?
    • Do you want to be close to work or shopping?
    • What style of home do you find most attractive?
    • Do you need a formal living room or dining room?
    • Do you prefer a large or small yard?
    • Do you need a garage, large porch or fenced-in yard?
    • Is there a particular color scheme you want?
    • Would you like a newer home or a mature neighborhood?
    The more information you can present to your REALTOR about what you are looking for the more they can narrow down your search. A qualified Agent will know what is available on the market and can lead you to homes that fall into your specifications.

    If you prefer looking at homes online, sign up for our FREE Home Listings Email Notification Service. We'll email you immediately when a home that meets your criteria goes on the market.

  2. Ask A Professional Real Estate Associate To Help You Find A Home


    Once you've come up with the list for your dream house, you should:
    • Tell your agent about your dream home. Be as specific as possible. Let your agent know what is a "must have" and what is a "would like to have" feature. For example: You feel you "must have" a four bedroom home and will not settle for fewer bedrooms, but you would only "like to have" a pool and would buy a house if it did not have one.
    • Let your Agent know what times are most convenient for you to look at property. If there is more then one person making the decision about what to buy, it is best if you can both look at homes together.
    • Your REALTOR can show you any property, even if it is listed for sale by another broker, is for sale by owner, or is in a new home subdivision.
    • If you see a sign or an ad on a home that is for sale, ask your Sales Associate to give you the details about it. This will help them know what type of properties you find attractive and will be less time consuming for you. Your Sales Associate is a professional who is representing your interests!
    • As you view homes, tell your agent what you like and don't like about each home. This will help your Sales Associate to understand your needs and narrow down your search. For example: "I really liked the size of the kitchen, the decor and the neighborhood, but I would like a larger lot and a more mature landscaping."


  3. Selecting a Home


    Finding the right home is a highly subjective and emotional process. A good REALTOR can help to narrow down your potential choices and protect your sanity. Be prepared to look at several homes before you find the one you want, depending on the current market in the area. Also, you may have to make quick decisions once you find it, again depending on the market. Remember that although the REALTOR is working with you to find your new home you are not paying them anything! Be respectful of the time and effort they are putting into your search.

  4. Making an Offer:


    This can be a difficult decision. Should you offer the seller's asking price of a lower one? Several factors should be taken into account:
    • How competitive is the area's home buying market?
    • How long has the house been on the market?
    • Are there any competing offers on the Home?
    • Is the asking price reasonable?
    • Is there an assumable mortgage or owner financing?
    Your REALTOR can provide these answers to you help you decide on the right offer.

  5. Drawing up the Contract


    Here is where the sales price, terms of the sale, contingencies and closing costs are put down on paper and presented to the seller and their agent. Generally a deposit is required, usually a percentage of the purchase price to be held in escrow until the closing when the Deed passes from the seller to you. Your REALTOR will complete all the paperwork making sure that all of the State and local housing laws are obeyed.

  6. Choosing Financing


    The most common mortgages today are the 30 year fixed-rate and the 1 year adjustable-rate. Check with several lending institutions to determine which one is offering the most competitive rate, and just as important today, the most competitive loan costs.

  7. Loan Applications


    Lenders are very busy today due to lower interest rates and our economy's strength, so getting a loan approved may take up to 60 days. Make sure there are no skeletons in your debt closet. Such problems can at best delay the loan process even more. Provide the lender with all the information needed as soon as possible. Missing information also slows down the process. Your REALTOR can help you to decide on the right lender and make sure you get your information in on time.

  8. Closing the Sale


    Before closing on your new home, make a walk-thru inspection with your Agent to make sure everything is in the same condition as it was when you make the initial agreement. Go over your closing statement with your REALTOR before settlement. Make sure you understand everything. Before closing is the time to solve any problems or concerns you may have.

Now its time to enjoy your new Home! Contact RE/MAX Four Seasons to start the process of buying your dream home today!

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