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#1 Searching without an Action Plan to Buy
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Buying
a home is ranked as one of the biggest personal
investments one can make. Being organized and
in control will contribute significantly to getting
the best deal possible with the least amount
of stress. Before you can create a plan of action,
meet with your REALTOR® to lay the groundwork
for your decision making process. |
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#2 Failing to get
financially pre-approved and securing an interest
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It’s
important to get pre-approved before you begin
your home search. An interest rate guarantee
protects you in times of rising rates and ensures
that your initial projected payments do not suddenly
escalate, resulting in additional interest charges.
Your REALTOR® can help initiate this process.
Ask for a list of lenders who offer special loans
and lower rates tailored to your unique situation.
Avoid Internet lenders. They typically fail to
fund the loan in time for your closing, or heap
on "junk" fees at the last minute when
it is too late to shop for a new lender. |
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#3 Selecting the
wrong location |
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Whether you’re
moving-up, sizing down or relocating you need
to determine where you want to live and the best
location that meets the lifestyle of your family.
The most important aspect of buying real estate
is still Location, Location, Location! Your
REALTOR® can help you with your criteria
and selection process for the best location.
Here are some factors to consider:
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Type
of home you prefer: single family, condo,
town home,
new construction, villa, etc.
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Community amenities, recreation,
pool, park, etc.
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Convenience for you and/or
family members
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Proximity to work, school, shopping,
recreation, etc.
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Crime rate of neighborhood
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Property taxes, is there a
community bond
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Local transportation
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#4 Not knowing the
neighborhood |
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You
can't possibly know all the neighborhoods as well
as a professional REALTOR® who searches homes
for a living. A professional REALTOR® has in-depth
knowledge of the various neighborhoods in your desired
area that match your family’s lifestyle. Searching
for the right neighborhood is the first step in the
home buying process. |
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#5 Failing to obtain
a Comparative Market Analysis before offering |
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Before
making an offer to purchase that special home, you
must have an accurate idea of market value to ensure
you do not overpay. Your REALTOR® will prepare
a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) showing competitive
properties, what similar homes have recently sold
for and the recent price trends. This is the same
type of report the seller receives when deciding
on an asking price. Isn’t it important for
you to have access to the same information as the
seller? |
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#6 Failing to use effective
negotiating skills and strategies |
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Many
buyers think that the best way to achieve a fair
purchase price is by offering low. This is the strategy
of the naive buyer who is not in possession of all
the facts essential to negotiating the best possible
deal. Creative negotiating usually means a better
deal with minimum hassles. Your REALTOR® indicates
how offers are presented to the seller to maximize
the likelihood of acquiring the chosen property with
the most favorable terms. |
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#7 Missing the great
deal |
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Don't
miss the best deal available in the marketplace today!
If you find the perfect home that meets the majority
of your needs, don’t hesitate. What is available
today may not be tomorrow. If you follow your action
plan you can make a secure decision and a reasonable
offer. |
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#8 Failing to have
the home inspected by a competent home inspector |
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Making
an offer on a home is usually made after spending
an hour or so of viewing the property. Isn't it worth
ensuring you will not be surprised later with deficiencies
costing thousands? Your REALTOR® can recommend
several reputable home inspectors and will ensure
appropriate clauses are included in the Far/Bar Contract
for Purchase which includes a contingency for a home
inspection as well as a request for a Home Warranty.
If the inspection report does not meet your approval,
you have the option to negotiate the items in question
or terminate the contract and have your earnest money
deposit returned. |
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#9 Buying a Home without
a Warranty |
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After
you have made your down payment, covered your closing
costs, paid for your move and all the incidental
expenses associated with a new home, the last thing
you need is a costly repair. If the property your
purchase does not include a Home Warranty your REALTOR® can
request that the seller provide one in the negotiations. |
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#10 Searching and Buying
without a REALTOR® |
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REALTORS® are
committed to using the experience gained through
hundreds of successful negotiations. Commissions
are totally paid by the sellers, and your REALTOR® negotiates
the best deal for YOU! Many times, buyers avoid using
the services of a REALTOR® under the mistaken
belief that it costs them more money - or that they
can negotiate a better deal directly with the seller.
Wrong! You need a professional looking out for your
best interests. Considering the importance of your
home purchase, do-it-yourself can be an expensive
mistake. An astute REALTOR® has better information
and valuable expertise to help you get the best possible
deal. Use it to your advantage.
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David Wade, Associate Broker (706) 537-0196 • Lynn Wade, Realtor (706) 217-8752
Email: David or Lynn
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