Health & Fitness
So You Have Decided to Buy Your Dream House in 2012
We all have been reading the ups and downs of the housing market, so I have put together a few things to do to prepare you to buying your new home.
So you have decided to buy your dream house in 2012. We all have been reading the ups and downs of the housing market, so I have put together a few things to do to prepare you to buying your new home.
Because of the slow economic recovery, buyers have some incentives: including lower home prices and lower interest rates to record levels. However loans are tough to get, worries about buying into a down market are high, and transactions are harder and longer to close than ever before.
The advice I give to my buyers include the following:
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1. Make a wish list detailing the pros and cons of what you want in your dream home.
What style and size home do you want? Your list should include all the features you want in your dream house but keep your expectations realistic and within your price range. We all know this but it is hard to accept, you will have to forfeit an item or two to get an item or two on your list!
Find out what's happening in Three Villagewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Areas: Start researching online to get information on tax rates, school districts, community trends and prices ranges for specific neighborhoods.
Talk to a local real estate agent, and ask them to give you information about homes in the area you are interested in. Ask about current pricing, and recent sales.
2. Fix credit problems. The main reason that deals are dying include credit history problems. Obtain and correct errors on your credit report now by reviewing reports you can get at AnnualCreditReport.com.
3. Save and continue saving. Save even more. Save for your downpayment, save for expecting closing costs, save for moving expenses, save for furnishings, save for home repairs, save for a rainy day. Make an appointment to sit down with a reputable mortgage broker. Going over your records, you will get a preapproval for a mortgage that you can afford.
4. Prepare for a move! Start going through your possessions and sort out what you will be keeping and moving with you. It is better to sell or donate items that you really don’t want and don’t need.
Organize now and your move will be less stressful.
Working with the right Realtor, who knows the market, and above all communicates well, will lead you to a better experience in buying your new home.
Feel free to contact me with any of your real estate questions.
Geri Ertle, Licensed Real Estate Broker
RE/MAX Signature 631-379-8157
geriertle@gmail.com
www.geriertle.signatureonline.net
