Kimberly, Find My Dream Home
A house is not a dream home because of its size or color. It’s about how you feel when you walk through the front door – the way you can instantly see yourself living in it. Home truly is a FEELING. Let me help you find the perfect one!
Owning your own home is one of the most rewarding experiences. So, how much you know about the buying a home? There are many aspects of the home buying process that require explanation and the more you know, the better position you will be in when it’s time to sign papers. Luckily you have found my website and hopefully you have heard that I can provide guidance, information and assistance that only a qualified real estate professional can provide. Because I stay on top of all the latest real estate laws and regulations, you can rest assured that you are always getting the expert advice and service you deserve. I am not however in the mortgage business, but I have partnered with several highly professional and reputable mortgage brokers that can help pair you with the best financing options that meet your specific needs.
Here are some things to keep in mind before and during your search:
#1 - Do the math and establish your purchasing power. Meet with a lender who will help you determine which type of financing will work best for you and how much you qualify for with each type. This process is normally a 48 hour turnaround, but some rare cases longer than that. I require all of my buyers to obtain a pre-qualification before we even look at homes. Why? Because there is nothing worse than finding your dream home and loosing it because selling agents require the pre qualification or pre- approval to even consider your offer. It also can put you in a much stronger negotiating position because it shows the seller that you are a committed buyer, financially capable of buying the property and more likely to close on it. For those clients that are looking to invest cash into properties, not a problem. We will need to work on a letter from your bank that covers the amount you are wanting to purchase. Cash is great leverage, but special care must be taken to make sure you are poised at getting the best deal and not overpay for a home or property.
#2 - Commit to working with a strong buyer’s agent like myself, who will look after your best interests and work with your schedule.
#3 - Online searching, by phone or computer, get looking! Nearly every home on the market is listed somewhere on the Internet because real estate agents know the majority of people turn to the web first when looking for a new home. Meet the new curb appeal...online listings! Start looking on websites like HAR.com Trulia.com, Realtor.com, and Zillow.com for homes that fit your particular criteria. If you will email me at , I will send you a full list of current homes matching the criteria you would like and the areas of your choice.
#4- Location, location, location. Narrow your search before you start touring every house. Decide what neighborhoods work best for you and your family. Check out school districts, shopping and dining, public transportation, recreational areas and crime statistics. I always recommend driving through the area and find neighborhoods first. Why? Because, if you like what the neighborhood feels like, see how crowded it is, how many children, etc. it will make the process easier knowing that you like where the home is located. Remember, you are buying the neighborhood as much as the home, make sure you like what is there.
#5- List your priorities and prepare to compromise. Make a list of the features you are looking for in a house and rate them on a scale of one to five, with five being a feature you can’t live without. Then, bring your list with you as you tour homes to keep score.
#6- Pick your TOP 10. I prefer to show no more than 5 homes a day to my buyers (with the rare exception for relocation clients and those in urgent need with only one day to look). Why? Because you will get them confused and forget things about them if I cram homes in your day. Take that time to really look at the homes and take notes. Its easier to narrow them down the next day after you see the other 5. Put the list each day of your favorites FIRST then work down the list.
With this checklist and the right market conditions, you are well on the road to home happiness. For additional information on the opportunities in today’s market or for expert representation, contact me today. I look forward to helping you achieve success with this major milestone in your life.
Buying a home? I am here to help you price it right – get a comparative market analysis today BEFORE you make an offer. Working with a NEW HOME BUILDER? Well, that means a professional looking out for you is even more important. Don't go it alone, I will help you through the entire process.
IN TEXAS THE SELLER PAYS MY COMMISSION, SO IM FREE TO YOU...SERIOUSLY ITS A NO BRAINER!
