Some things to consider when buying a home…
When is the right time to buy?
People move into home ownership for a variety of reasons. Some want to become
established in a community or to provide a more permanent home for their family.
There are many advantages to home ownership:
- Appreciation–Your home can increase in value over time, increasing your equity
and your personal net worth. - Personalization–You can change or improve your home to suit your style and
needs, such as painting or wallpapering, installing new flooring, or upgrading the
bathrooms. - Space–A house generally offers you more space inside and out than a rental
apartment, along with the ability to remodel the existing space or add on.
*Enjoyment–Plain and simple, most homeowners take a great deal of pride in their
homes.
There are so many choices that it is important to have an idea of what you want and
need before you begin looking. Consider making a checklist of amenities that are
essential and those you would like to have in your new home.
The list below may help you clarify your thinking on what is important to you when
you are ready to purchase.
in mind?* How long do you plan to stay in the home? Consider resale of the house.
condo, duplex) * What style appeals to you? (contemporary, traditional, no
preference) * Are schools a factor? * Do you need to be close to public
transportation? * How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? How many
do you want? * What other interior features are important to you? (separate family
room, formal dining room, home office, etc.) * What about exterior features? Have
you considered a garage, yard size, patio/deck, hot tub, view, or water front? Are there any special features you are looking for in a home?
Minimize your moving stress!
Here are some things you can do to minimize stress when you are ready to make a
move:
up to speed on every step of the process. Pre-Approval: It is important to get pre-approved for a loan. Doing so prior to your
home search will save you time and help narrow down your search criteria. Pre Approval also lets the sellers of a property know that you are indeed able to purchase
a home should you decide to do so. They are trying to sell their home not just show
it. Your realtor should be able to give you a list of a few lenders to contact. Consider how long it will take from the time you make an offer on a property until
the transaction closes. Once an offer is received and accepted, it may take from 30 to
45 days to obtain financing. Decide whether you want to move yourself or have professional movers handle the
job. If you hire a moving company, be sure to book well in advance. Think about cleaning services. After everything is packed and moved is a great time
to have someone come in and clean. Arrange at least two weeks in advance to have utilities and phone service
disconnected at your old house and reconnected in your new home on move-in day.
When you are ready to start your search, I will be happy to help you find a home that
suits your lifestyle. My goal is to make this a fun and enjoyable experience.
Please don’t hesitate to call or email me if I can answer any questions.
Elizabeth
Elizabeth Schok, REALTOR
Somers Sotheby’s International Realty
elizabeth@elizabethschok.com
www.elizabethschok.com
(907) 322-9188 Cell Phone