Choosing the right Realtor®
Deciding to find and buy a home is one of the most important decisions of you life. It combines your personal hopes and dreams with wanting what's best for you and your family. It mans making changes. That's why it's in your best interest to chose an experienced real estate agent who listens to andunderstands your needs, and works in the area where you want to live and how much you can afford to spend is critical. Expect an agent to be professional: to return your phone calls promptly, to be organized, to listen to your preferences, and to communicate clearly.
Ask any prospective agent plenty of questions
Before talking with a Realtor® write down the questions you want to ask them so you know you don't forget anything. While the questions asked depend on your preferences, it's always good to find out if they are a licensed realtor®, how much experience they have, and how familiar they are with the neighborhoods you want to live in. You should also find out their availability. If they have a lot of clients, they may take so much time getting to you about a house one the market that you lose the chance to bid on your dream home. If you have kids, make sure they're knowledgeable about schools in the area. You should also make sure the price range your Realtor® specializes in matches your own.
Above all else, you want to find a Realtor® that you are comfortable with and who you feels understands your needs. You want someone who is working in your best interest.
Here are a few you may want to consider: May I contact some of your past clients? How many homes have you sold in the past year? Will you show me homes that offer lower commission? Will you show me homes that offer lower commission? Why should I hire you over someone else?
Finding the right house
Affordability - For most home buyers, affordability is the number one most important factor in selection the right house for your family. Resist the temptation to go house searchin in new developments unless you already know you can afford the houses there.
When thinking about affordability of the right house for you and your family, add up not only the mortgage payment, but any mortgage insurance and taxes you will need to pay. Also consider any sewer, water or garbage fees if the city does not service your house.
Also factor in any future costs, including any updates that will be need in the next five years:
roof repair, repainting or siding the exterior, updating the electrical system, updating the heating system, recarpeting or redoing the floors, updating kitchen appliances and cabinerty, updating the bathroom and or plumbing.
Move-in-ability - Does the right house for you mean a house that you can move into right away without doing any work to it? Do not consider paint color, or even older carpets as keeping you from moving in. If the house can be lived in now, without any work, that may be an important decision factor for you.
If, on the other hand, it does not matter to you if you can move in right away, and you can afford the time and money to work on the house before living there. then this decision factor will not be a top priority on finding the right home for your family.