Mar 27, 2014
Buying your first or next home can be as scary as it is exciting. You have questions and concerns that most homebuyers face. Is this the right thing for me? How do I start this process? Who can I trust for advice and counsel?
Coming to the final decision to buy and taking the leap into the pool of fellow homebuyers comes with complex questions and soul-searching deliberations. How can you avoid the pitfalls of searching for your next home? The answer is simple – be prepared and work with an expert.
It’s normal to contemplate and re-contemplate this important and huge step. Before you dig deep into your research, stop and celebrate that you have gotten to the point that you are ready to make this move. Then, get down to business.
First, talk to a buyer specialist. EARLY. These professionals know the market and how to find what you are looking for. They have access to information about properties that can help you negotiate and most importantly, they are there to protect you through your entire transaction. It’s always good to have someone looking out for you!
After choosing your agent, you want to be sure that your financial house is in good order. Most important is that you stay realistic in what you can really afford. Ask yourself what down payment you are comfortable with and then, talk to a lender! Our team has partnered with the best lending teams in the Triangle who will help walk you through the pre-qualification process. They will help paint a picture of what is realistic and give you a clear picture of your buying power in today’s market.
You should also prepare for the psychological impact of buying a home. You have to answer several lifestyle questions to help narrow your choices. What kind of neighborhood feels right to you? How long of a commute are you willing to tolerate? Do you like new homes or are you willing to put a little elbow grease into your next home? To help answer some of these questions, take a drive around neighborhoods that peak your interest and visit some homes (with your agent). You’ll start to be able to narrow down your wish list and identify what kind of property you are looking for (if you don’t know already).
Finally, be prepared to search for the right home. Sometimes, you’re lucky enough to find it right off the bat, other times it takes a few trips to get the gem you’re looking for. The inventory of available homes in the Triangle is low and because of all the national attention this area gets for our growth potential, it is very attractive to a very deep pool of buyers and investors. Homes that are priced well don’t stay on the market long so being prepared and ready to buy before you start “shopping” is a great way to up your ability to capture the right home.
It’s an exciting time to be looking for a home and is a big decision you just made. Embrace the enjoyment and excitement of it all. Call or email me to get started!
