Thursday, June 18, 2009

In the Charlotte Area

[http://www.minthillrealty.com]
I have been working with homebuyers in the Charlotte area for a long time and I know that whether you've spent years saving and preparing to buy a home, or you're unsure if you can afford it, the questions surrounding home buying can feel endless. Sometimes other agents get caught up in all the exciting new incentives, rates, and opportunities – that they forget that not everyone who walks into their offices is an expert. I feel that part of my service to you as your Realtor is to help educate you, whether this is your first home or your fifteenth. Below are some basics, but feel free to contact me any time if you have any Charlotte area real estate questions.
Here are some tips to help you through first-time home buying:
Shop for mortgage rates and terms. A difference of even half a percentage point can mean a considerable savings over the life of a loan. For example, the difference in the monthly payment on a $100,000 mortgage at 8 percent vs. 7.5 percent is about $35 per month. Over 30 years, that's $12,600.
Prequalify for a loan. Also early on, you'll want to get prequalified for a mortgage loan, which determines how much you can afford. It allows you to move swiftly when you find the right home, especially when there are other interested buyers. It also indicates to the seller that you are serious about home buying and can afford to buy the property.
Outline what you want. The next step in home buying is to create a realistic idea of the property you'd like to buy. What features are most important to you? Make two lists: one of the items you can't live without and one of the features you would enjoy. Refine the lists as you house-hunt. It is also helpful to search online to see what is currently available on the market. Your real estate professional can then show you houses that meet your expectations.
Visit properties. Now you're ready to visit houses. Ask your Realtor to help in your home buying process by arranging showings. Be sure to keep track of the properties you've seen--it is easy to get confused and forget things if you see too many similar homes in one day, or don't take good notes. Each time you venture out to see more properties, revisit your notes to immediately eliminate any that clearly do not meet your standards.
Know the features that help or hurt resale. Did you know that in some areas, a swimming pool actually detracts from a home's value and makes it harder to sell? In neighborhoods with two-car, attached garages, a single-car or detached garage may affect the home buying prospects and future value.
Rate the houses you tour. After touring each home, write down notes about what you liked and didn't like. Develop a rating system that will help narrow the home buying field. For example, pick the house you like best on day one and compare all other houses to it. When you find a better one, use the new favorite as the standard. Avoid trying to track more than four top choices at any given time since this can quickly become overwhelming.
Make an offer. Once you've pinpointed your dream house, it's time to get serious about the financial and contractual side of the purchase. Because you and the seller have different goals, rely on your agent's experience and expertise to bring order and calm to the process - and help both parties reach a favorable outcome.
Arrange for a home inspection. After your offer is accepted, set up a home inspection. It's common to find problems, including leaky roofs, cracked walls, insect infestations and foundation problems. Your real estate professional can help find a reputable inspector, and will negotiate to get you the most for your money once the inspector's report is final. If you negotiate repairs as part of the purchase, ask for a "walk through" before finalizing the home buying paperwork. Ask your real estate expert about home protection plans, which may save you money in the near future.
Close. Before your closing date, make sure you've made all necessary deposits and completed the paperwork - including mortgage, title, homeowner's insurance and any other paperwork required by local or state governments when home buying. Your agent will be there to help you complete that closing checklist and avoid any last-minute snags. You deserve to enjoy every moment of the home buying process.
Prepare for life in your new home. Before rolling out the welcome mat, consider some moving basics: arranging for an alarm company, turning on electricity, water and gas, cleaning or replacing the carpet, and notifying your local post office of your new address. The best time for renovations is often before you move in.
Feel free to contact me any time you have questions – we not only want to sell you a wonderful home, we want to ensure the entire move-in process is seamless!
Rich Ferretti
Mint Hill, NC Realty

Want more information about the Mint Hill, Matthews and Charlotte area real estate market?
Check out www.minthillrealty.com

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Posted By Rich Ferretti Charlotte NC to Mint Hill Homes: Charlotte NC Area Real Estate at 6/18/2009 03:00:00 AM

1 comment:

CoachingByPeter said...

If a good real estate agent can help grease the wheels and get your offer in front of a lender, you can get an answer more quickly, and potentially close more deals.

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Charlotte North Carolina Real Estate Professional. Visit our site www.RichFerretti.com