Top Factors To Consider Before You Buy A Home

   
     Whether you are a first-time home buyer entering the market or a seasoned homeowner jumping into the market yet again, there are a few factors that NEED to be considered before you put your signature down.

Financial Status

     First and foremost you need to be fully aware of your financial status, because knowing your financial boundaries is key. If you need a mortgage then it is best to contact a mortgage representative as soon as your ready to begin your home search. The mortgage representative will go over your finances and come up with a price range that you will be able to afford. If you do not need a mortgage or would like to begin figuring what your financial status is on your own, then here is a list of considerations for determining your affordability; Cash available for downpayment, your monthly income, your current debt, and your monthly expenses. Also, your credit score is a key role in your ability to obtain a mortgage as well as a determining factor in what your mortgage rate will be. Better credit means lower rates, so if you have any issues on your credit history be sure to resolve them before you apply for a loan.

Real Estate Agent
     Not everyone will utilize a real estate agent, however I would highly recommend it. From negotiating to utilizing the best vendors, real estate agents can help for a smoother process with less stress and a more beneficial outcome for you. Also, as a buyer you will not be covering any of the commission costs towards the agent because the seller is responsible for that. There are countless reasons to use an agent BUT you need to be very carful to pick the right agent for the job. There are bad apples in every bunch so you need to do your research; search online, ask family and friends for recommendations, and do not be hesitant to interview a few different agents before you make your choice. The agent will be working with you throughout the entire home buying process, so make sure you choose an agent that you can get along with. Also, make sure the agent you choose is familiar with and knowledgeable in the area you are searching.

Location
     Once you have chosen the town or city you will be moving into, the next step is figuring out what part of that town or city is most suitable for you. Make some time to drive through different neighborhoods during all different times of the day and week in order to get a feel for all the areas. Keep an eye out for factors such as traffic patterns, noise levels, and social behaviors. If you happen to see some of the locals outside do not be afraid to stop by and ask their opinion on the area as they would know best.

Utility Costs
     Utilities can really add up for a home and you need to know every expense that you will be incurring to make sure you do not get stuck in an unfavorable situation. Question the seller not only on the amount of yearly expenses but on their frequency of use as well. Not every person lives the same way; the current seller could say that the utilities are low, but the reason for that could be that the seller does not make much use of the utilities. If low utility costs are a main focus of yours then you may want to search for homes with updated, high efficiency appliances.

Resale Value
     The resale value of the home is typically something that is overseen by the buyer, however it is definitly one of the most important aspects of a home purchase. A home is typically the largest purchase you will ever make, therefore you need to make sure you are making a sound investment. Do as much research as you can to develop an estimated future value.

Change Of Address Scams

      When someone goes through the exciting process of buying a new home, one of the final steps to completing the move is to officially change your address. Now, after going through such an extensive home buying process, many people will quickly try and get the change of address done by going to the internet and searching what they should be doing. BE CAREFUL! There are scamming companies out there right now who will charge you anywhere around $17-$24 to process this request. Your local United States Post Office will process this request for $1, and if you have the time to stop by the post office they will process your change of address for no charge.

"Some people report they are charged a dollar at first [on these other sites], but then a short time later, there's another charge for additional services they did not knowingly purchase," says Miranda Perry with Scambook.com

There seems to be one site in particular that is drawing a lot of attention for this scam. There have been approximately 150 customer complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau about: Change-My-Address.com. This site advertises, “USPS(R) Change of Address Form. Fast & Secure Mail Forwarding.” Although a spokesperson for this company has come out and said that they state in several places on the website they are not affiliated with USPS, why go through all this hassle. Please save yourself any trouble and simply visit the USPS Website (CLICK HERE FOR THE OFFICIAL USPS "CHANGE OF ADDRESS" REQUEST FORM). Once you go there you can submit your request for $1 or to save any cost at all just visit your United States Post Office and fill out the change of address request free of charge.

C21 Adds New Search Option For Buyers' Convenience

     Not surprisingly, one of the most important factors for buyers is the quality of the school system they will be entering their children into. As a real estate agent I know first hand that one of the most popular questions from buyers with children is, "How is the school system" or "Which area has the best schools?" Seeing the significance this factor holds to a large amount of the buyer audience, Century 21 has just added a "Search by Schools" option on their website (century21.com). This option offers buyers a much more convenient method to search for a home location within specific school boundaries. 

“Selecting the right school is an important part of the decision to buy a home,” says Bev Thorne, Century 21 Real Estate LLC chief marketing officer. “We have now made the search easier by delivering data to consumers precisely as they want it.”

     Once buyers are on Century 21's website, they have the options of searching schools by location in a specific state, county, city, or even near a street address. The search options for the buyer go very in depth, including options such as student-teacher ratios, grade levels, public/private, or charter school types. Once the buyer has set all their search criteria, they can simply set a new listing alert and as soon as a new home pops up in their search area they will be notified. If you are a relocation buyer or simply do not know enough about the school systems to make a decision, Century 21 also provides a list of all the top rated schools right there so you do not have to wander the web for information you cannot always trust.