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What Your Realtor’s Not Telling You

www.onlineazhomes.com — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Your realtor has the best intentions, they do, but at the end of the day they want to sell houses, too. If you’re considering buying your first home make sure you look into these three things your realtor won’t tell you. You’ve got to be diligent, too.
It’s a bad neighborhood: Maybe you don’t know the town too well or you’re new here – either way, your dream home at a dream price may be that way for a reason. If you find out you’re not in the best neighborhood consider things like ADT Home Security and a good iron fence – there are ways to get around it.
It’s a busy street: Maybe your agent only showed you the house at night when all was quiet but what about in the mornings when school’s in? Or after church on Sundays? Visit the house at all times of day to see how the neighborhood acts when it’s not quiet time.
It’s a raw deal: No matter what the house looks like, ALWAYS get a professional inspection before you buy. It’s important to know what lies in wait in the basement, the foundation and the roof and these are not naked eye problems.

The Best Months To Shop For A New Home

admin — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

When shopping for a home, there are a lot of things to consider such as the location, the crime rate, the schools and more. One thing that many people don’t think of is the time of the month when they are considering their purchase. Did you know that you can save 10 or more when purchasing during a specific month? 10 may not sound like a lot, but when you factor in that percentage to a 200,000 price tag, you can save a lot of money. Listed below are a few months to consider when making your first purchase.

The Winter Months: Later winter months such as December, January and February are by far the best months to consider when purchasing a home. The reason this is, is because many people are either too busy with their lives, or they don’t want to look at homes in the cold. Unlike the summer months when it’s warm and the flowers are blooming, many homeowners are going to find that they will have to eat a part of the listing price.

When considering a month to buy, go for the months such as December, January and February. Even though the experience may not be as fun due to the cold, you’re going to find that you’re going to get the best bang for your buck when purchasing during these months.

Everything You Should Know About Closing On Your Home

admin — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Before closing on your home there are a list of things that you want to do. The first is to sit down and make sure that this is the home that you want to by and that you foresee yourself living in. Second you want to be 100 percent positive that you can afford this home and that you aren’t going to be digging yourself into a financial hole. After you have come up with these answers you want to be sure that you have the home inspected, and that it passes all health and building codes, and doesn’t need any work.

You also want to check and make sure that there aren’t any liens on the house that will be your responsibility to pay. On the day of closing check with your bank again to make sure everything is in order, closing costs, escrow and such, and go over the closing paperwork with your realtor and a lawyer. Make sure all items included in the contract have been fulfilled and are satisfied. Read the title carefully before transferring and signing. After your lawyer approves everything your good. From there you can sign your name on the paperwork, getting your keys, and living in your new home.

Home Inspection Tips For New Homeowners

admin — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Nothing matches the feeling of pride and accomplishment you get from home ownership. A home inspection will alleviate many of the concerns and worries.
Ask your Realtor to recommend three home inspection professionals. Don’t rely merely on their favorite. The Realtor doesn’t get paid until the sell closes. You don’t want the opinion and report of the home inspector clouded by their desire to maintain a ongoing relationship with the Realtor. Your purchase contract should be contingent upon a satisfactory home inspection. Be prepared to renegotiate or walk away if major repairs are needed.
Be present during the home inspection. This shows you are concerned and gives you the opportunity to speak directly to the home inspector and ask questions. Being present during the inspection prevents any misunderstandings about the report later. The inspection should take a minimum of one hour or up to a few hours, depending on the size of the house.
The three major areas of concern are: the roof, the foundation, and the heating and air conditioning system. These areas are the most likely to have costly issues that are not readily visible.
Have the home inspector categorize any issues found in either major or minor repairs. Minor repairs being anything that should cost less than 400. and major being a repair that will cost more than 400.
No house is perfect. You can still buy with confidence, if you have enough information to make an informed decision.

Five Tips To Help You Choose The Right Realtor

admin — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Choosing a Realtor can be frustrating decision. These tips will give you a better understanding of what to look for in a Realtor. Experience is not always the golden rule, often a new realtor will be dedicated to a clients needs.

Interview
Call and schedule an interview with a realtor. Make mental notes during the meeting. Does the realtor seem preoccupied? Does the realtor receive calls during the meeting, instead of focusing attention on you?

Attitude
Friendly professionalism or rigid demeanor, this may reflect the client-realtor relationship. Realtors should show respect to a client. Think twice before choosing a realtor who puts you ill at ease.

Attentive
Does the Realtor take notes during the interview? If not, this may be an indication the realtor will a push property for a commission. Choose a realtor whose purpose is to help you.

Considerate
Considerate realtors will show property within your price range and desired location. Ask the realtor to show a few computer listings, this will give you an idea of the type of listings and locations you will be shown.

Final Analysis
Before you leave the interview, ask the realtor to go over his or her list with you. If the realtor took notes, then this is a realtor who listens to a client.