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HOW
TO BUY YOUR HOME THE EASY WAY.
Compliments of: Linda
Christianson
Buying a residence
can be a hair raising experience. You will experience a roller coaster
of emotions while finding the right place, securing the loan and finally
moving in. For most of us, the first time home purchase is the largest
investment we’ve ever considered. The emotions of purchasing something
so expensive and personal can often cloud our business judgment.
Most home
purchasers do little or no research before they invest their nest egg.
Doesn’t it make sense to become as completely informed as possible
before you buy your first home? This special report is designed to help
you avoid 10 common and crucial mistakes. The right real estate
professional can help you make good sound business decisions based on
your personal situation.
1.
Inspect, Inspect and Inspect- Go over the inspection report with a
fine tooth comb. Make sure the report was done by a professional
organization. For condo purchases go over the CC&R’s, By-Laws, and
Association Fees. Don’t take anything for granted... inspect
everything!
2.
Imagine the Property Vacant-
Your furnishings and decorations will be the ones filling this new
residence. Don’t be swayed by beautiful furniture; it leaves with the
owner.
3. Income
+ Lifestyle = Mortgage Payment-
Sit down with your professional real
estate agent and honestly discuss your income level and living
expenses. Take into account future considerations, children, add-ons,
amenities, and fix-ups. Your dream home is certainly worth a sacrifice
but don’t mortgage your entire future.
4.
View Several Homes- See at
least 7-10 properties. Don’t move too slow but don’t move on the first
property you see. With your agent’s help you should be able to view
enough properties to get a good overall perspective of the home market.
When you find the right property all the leg work will be worth it.
5.
Utilize Your Team- By
aligning yourself with the right real estate professional you will
have an entire team at your disposal. Utilize your lender, title
rep and agent. Each of them should work hand in hand for your benefit.
Explore all the options before you sign.
6. Be
Columbo- Check out all costs
and expenses before you sign. Utilities, taxes, insurance, maintenance
and home owner dues if applicable. Make sure all utilities (gas,
electricity, and water) are on during your walk-through you can inspect
everything in working order. Ask lots of questions and be very detail
conscious.
7. Do a
Final Walk-Through- Visit
the property after all furnishings have been moved out to be sure there
are no surprises. Be absolutely positive the property was left exactly
as you had agreed upon in the contract. Things that could have been
spotted in a final walk-through are often unintentionally overlooked.
8. Plan
For Flexibility- Closing
dates are not written in stone. Allow for contingencies and have a
back-up plan. If you or the sellers need a little more time to conclude
the final arrangements, don’t let these delays upset or frustrate you.
These types of circumstances are not uncommon in a real estate
transaction.
9. If
It’s Not In Writing, It Doesn’t Exist-
All promises and discussions should be
in writing. Don’t make any assumptions or believe any assurances. Even
the best intentions can be misinterpreted. Have your professional keep
an ongoing log in writing of all discussions and get the seller’s
written approval on all agreements.
10.
Loyalty Breeds Loyalty- Be
open, honest and up front with your team. Hard feelings and disloyalty
will cause head aches, delays or may even keep you from getting into the
home you worked so hard to locate. Take the time to select the right
team in the beginning and your first home purchase will be a pleasing
and memorable experience.
I sincerely hope these tips and ideas are of value to you. If
there is any way I can be of service please contact my office. I would
consider it a privilege to serve you! Please call me at 218-825-3610 or
800-250-9701.
Ext. # 5108
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