Articles Tagged "For buyers"

So you've made it all the way through the home buying process, and the closing is finally behind you. Congratulations! Now you have one more step: moving into your brand-new home.

Moving can be hectic, even under the best of circumstances. Coordinating so many different tasks can be tricky. However, Our REALTORS® have found that careful planning and preparation are the keys to managing the chaos. If you're getting ready to move into your new home, here is a quick list of mistakes you'll want to avoid during the process:

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You're not alone if you're feeling a bit cooped up and hemmed in right now. The COVID-19 pandemic has many people looking for a quick and easy escape from the daily routine.

Our REALTORS® understand your desire to get away, and we're fielding plenty of calls from people eager to buy a little slice of heaven they can retreat to and enjoy.

While a vacation home can be a great investment, it's not something you should rush into purchasing. There are many considerations to think over, and the following are some things you should keep at the forefront of your thoughts.

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The keys to a new home are among the best presents you can put under the tree this holiday season. While many people put their search for a home on hold over the holidays, the fact is that this is one of the best times to purchase property. As you think over your options, our REALTORS® want you to consider the following five advantages of shopping for a home over the holidays. 

1. Fewer Buyers = Less Competition
   While other home buyers are resting on their laurels or working off those extra holiday pounds, you can make an offer on the ideal home for your family's future. Fewer buyers mean less chance that a bidding war will erupt on the home you want, and it also means that sellers will be more likely to consider your offer. Depending on the day you make your offer, you may trim 1% or more off the listing price.

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For the men and women who serve in the military, America is more than just the land of the free and the home of the brave. It's a nation where the brave can secure a VA loan to buy a home of their own. VA loans make homeownership affordable for active-duty soldiers and veterans. If you're a soldier, spouse, or veteran, the following are some things our REALTORS® want you to know about VA loans. 

• Eligibility
  VA loans are available for active-duty personnel and veterans once they reach six months of service. Spouses of soldiers who die in combat or as the result of injuries from combat also qualify. Members of the National Guard and Reserve can qualify after six years of service or if they are called to active duty.

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Buying a new home comes with a lot of details, but one of the most important is getting homeowners insurance that covers your home, your family, and your possessions.  Getting the right insurance coverage can be challenging, but our REALTORS® know just what you'll need and how to get what you need.  Here's our guide to homeowner insurance:

• Know What You Need
  Getting the right homeowners insurance starts with knowing what you need. You'll need to make sure your dwelling and property are adequately covered, but be aware of additional coverage you may need as well.
  
  In all likelihood, your homeowner's insurance will cover the basics such as your home and property as well as liability should you or anyone else get injured on your property.  There are additional things that may not be covered that you should be mindful of: electronics, separate buildings or storage sheds, and certain possessions may be excluded from your insurance. Be careful when choosing an insurance plan.

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One of the best pieces of advice our REALTORS® can offer about buying a home is to determine your budget before you start looking. Understanding what you can afford will narrow your search, and keep you from falling head-over-heels for a house that's outside your price range. 

But it's easy to misunderstand what your price range truly is. Buying a home comes with costs that aren't necessarily reflected in the asking price alone. So keep an eye out for these additional homeownership costs, and don't let them trip you up!

• Property Taxes
  It's easy to simply compare your monthly mortgage payment with what you could be paying in rent, and assume that you can afford it. Maybe you can, but be sure to factor in property taxes. Unless you plan to put a larger down payment down on your home, your property taxes will most likely be added to, and bump up, your monthly mortgage payment. Also, keep in mind too that property taxes are likely to increase over the length of time that you own your home.

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