Buyers

Tips for home buyers

1. Get pre-approved.
There’s a big difference in just a pre-qualified buyer and a pre-approved buyer.  Pre-approval is when all the loan verifications are completed and a buyer is credit approved.  Pre-qualified buyers have spoken with a lender and normally have one credit bureau report reviewed, with an opinion letter from the loan officer giving a favorable opinion of approval if all verifications ( employment, bank statements, etc..) come in positive.  When a buyer is pre-approved, they simply need to find a home get it appraised and they are ready to close.  Being pre-approved gives you a distinct advantage in negotiating with a seller.  If you would like to start the pre-approval process, please give me a call.

2. Get an experienced real estate broker.
When is comes to buying a home, you really don’t want to be a guinea pig.  Consider purchasing a home like brain surgery.  You want the guy doing the operation with a few thousand surgeries under his belt before he starts cutting.   Real estate can be the same way.  Ask a potential agent questions.  How many years in the business?  What type of work did you do before being a broker?  What is their background?  Do they have references?  What part of town do they work?  What is their specialty?  Do they own a home or do they rent?

3. Get educated.
Learn and learn some more about the home buying process.  Read and read some more about real estate.  Read about areas.  Read about school districts.  Read about real estate property taxes in different areas.  Read about home owners associations (HOA’s).  The more knowledge you arm yourself with the better decisions you can make.

4. Location, location, location.
Yes it is one of the most important items to know when it comes to real estate. Finding out how and area has appreciated and where values are going is really important. What is the foreclosure rate in an area is important to know. What is the job outlook in the immediate area. What are the demographics in an area.  In short, the opportunity cost to get in a great area will always pay off  if one does their home work in advance.

5. Get an inspection.
The last thing you need to discover is the home you bought is a “money pit” Save yourself a lot of time and brain damage and get a good home inspection. It is one thing to get a good deal on a fixer upper and know in advance what repairs a required, then to perceive a great deal only to be disappointed with a bad investment than needs major repairs.

6. Call Chris Kassel
Pick up the phone or just e-mail me for more information on the home buying process. With 27 years of experience, you will really save time and energy with a quick call. No matter where you are in the process, knowing more information will help you in making a better decision. I can be reached at 303-550-4482 or cekassel@yahoo.com