There has never been a better time in America to join the population that have purchased real estate. Real estate is still considered a very profitable long-term investment. An added benefit is that it doesn’t require a large initial down payment. This piece offers some great advice for purchasing a property that suits your needs and financial circumstances.
If you have kids, you need to make sure there is enough room for the family. Keep safety in mind, as well, particularly if a home has a swimming pool or stairs. You are more likely to buy a safer home if you purchase from parents who raised kids there.
Think about the future when shopping for a home. While you might not have kids currently, for instance, it’s a good idea to check into the local schools near a potential house if you are planning to have children down the road.
A buyer’s checklist will help you understand the real estate buying process, and these forms can be acquired from your Realtor. Realtors have checklists for everything, from creating a budget to getting a mortgage. Having a list like this can be invaluable in coordinating everything to coincide with closing day.
Make a request, in your offer, for the seller assist with closing costs, inspection fees, and other expenses accrued in the process of the real purchase. One common incentive is to request that the seller “buy down” your loan’s interest rate for the first one to two years. Keep in mind, though, if you request financial incentives from the seller, he will probably be less willing to negotiate on the home’s selling price.
Plan ahead of time which questions you are going to ask your real estate agent. Ask about things that really matter to you. For example, you might ask if they have sold a lot of homes in your area of interest, and find out the number of homes they have sold during the past year. The agent’s responses to these questions will provide you with the information you need to reach a decision.
Those who are wise and jump into this swirling market should follow the above article closely. It will help you avoid trouble and walk away with real estate that is under-priced and growing constantly in value. The key is to purchase the property and hold until the time is right before you make your big move.