What To Expect As A First Time Home Buyer!
So you’ve finally decided to buy your first home! You might be a nervous, because it’s your first time, and it’s normal to feel that way. You’re probably going to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars and make one of the most important financial purchases of your life so it’s important to get it right. Luckily you came to the right place. So, let’s get started!
Get Your Finances In Order
Figure out your budget, set aside savings for a down payment and research the different loans available to you. You can take a few steps to figure out exactly what the costs and expenses will be on the big day by doing the following:
Get your credit report and score to get a general idea of what kind of interest rates you would get approved for.
Make a budget and figure out what the maximum mortgage price will be according to what you can put down. A down payment has to be a minimum of 20% of the total mortgage value. So, for example, if you can put down $50,000, the total mortgage will be up to $250,000.
Select a Reliable Real Estate Agent to Help With Buying a Home
Although there is so much information readily available online, real estate agents can guide you by giving you information based on experience and market knowledge. An agent can help you avoid making mistakes like choosing the wrong home or offering too much. As a starting tip for buying, remember that location is very, very important – good neighborhood, close to public transportation (if necessary), close to work and school, etc.
Negotiating Like a Pro
A seller’s price is not set in stone. Most of the time, you can get the seller to lower his/her price, depending on the situation. Agents will help you with negotiation, dealing with counter offers, facing other buyer’s offers, and so on. You can also find more tips online for negotiating a home’s price.
You MUST Get A Home Inspection
NEVER buy a home without getting a home inspection. Most states have laws about the types of disclosures you are entitled to receive.
You never know what is wrong with a home, even if it looks perfect on the surface. A professional home inspector will be able to check all of the systems (including electrical and plumbing) and make sure that everything is either good with the home, or if they find something wrong, they’ll include it in the report and at that point either the seller can fix it or replace it, or you’ll have to do it but can lower the total price you pay for the home. A home inspection will also save you money in the long run.
Also, always do a final inspection a couple of days before closing to make sure the property is in the same condition as when you agreed to buy it.
Closing On Your Home
Transactions generally close within 30 to 60 days after your offer has been accepted. Remember to get home insurance and a title insurance policy. Do your research on the best policies and companies offering insurance around.
Be sure to ask friends who are homeowners for advice throughout the whole process of buying your new home because they’ll tell you exactly what NOT to do and help you avoid any mistakes they made. Good luck hunting and enjoy your future home!
Amerihomes Realty has been around for 9 years and is one of the most established real estate Staten Island and real estate Brooklyn companies in New York. You can visit them by going to Amerihomesrealty.com or you can call to speak to one of their agents today – (718) 447-2626.
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