Now is a great time to buy.
See the costs of waiting...
Mortgage rates are at historic lows, but are projected to rise.
Home values are returning to per-recession levels and are expected to continue rising.
Questions?
I've got answers.
Do I Pay For My Real Estate Agent's Fees?
Your real estate Agent gets paid by the Seller of the property. Buyer's typically do not pay any real estate commissions.
Should I Buy Or Rent?
Real Estate properties are investments that can be sold at a later date and often at a considerable return. When renting you are helping to pay off the Landlord's mortgage. See Buy vs Rent.
What Can I Afford To Spend?
Once of the biggest misconceptions many people have is that they cannot afford to buy. I can connect you with knowledgeable Mortgage Agents who can educate you on the mortgage process, and develop a plan tailored to you, to gain pre-approval. What you can afford depends on:
Gross household income
Size of down payment
Mortgage interest rates
Current monthly expenses
Are There Any Additional Costs Or Expenses?
The short answer is yes, but don't let that scare you. One expense will be the property tax, based on the evaluated property value. As your Realtor®, I can outline these costs so you know up front what they will be.
Specific Questions? Contact me here.
What's Buyer Representation?
Here's some info to help.
Choosing an Agent
Like choosing any service professional - from an accountant to your family doctor - its important to do your homework before deciding on a real estate agent. Your home purchase or sale likely represents one of the most significant financial transactions of your life, and you definitely want to find the right person for you.
Abilities matter. And production matters. You want someone with experience, education and a proven track record of successful closings. On all counts, RE/MAX is a solid place to start your search. Nobody in the world sells more real estate than RE/MAX, and RE/MAX agents collectively hold more professional designations than agents at any other national real estate brand.
REALTOR® vs. Agent
An agent is classified as anyone who earns a real estate license, as sales professional or broker. Licensing is mandated by the state, with many states having varying minimum course work and continuing education requirements.
A Realtor® is a real estate agent who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS®. Being a Realtor® means that he or she must uphold the standards of the association and its code of ethics which is in addition to the state standards and canon of ethics.
Why Choose Buyer Representation?
Until recently, real estate agents always represented the seller, not the buyer, in real estate transactions. Even that real estate agent who showed you all the properties on your list was not really working on your behalf. Back then, by law, the agent was required to get the highest price and best terms possible for their client THE SELLER!
Now, all this has changed, and many agents are offering buyer representation, in real estate transactions. You can now have an agent that is dedicated to representing you, from the first home home showing to the very end when you close the deal and get the keys.
There are hundreds of thousands of people who are licensed to sell real estate. Of these, many are do not make buyer representation a significant focus in their service offerings. Consumer advocacy groups have endorsed buyer representation, and license laws in virtually every state now enable and encourage such representation.
First-time buyer?
I've got you covered.
You've picked a great time to buy your first home. You can enjoy peace of mind working with RE/MAX, the industry leader in experience and service. Here are some tips to help you with the process of becoming your own landlord.
A buyer agent is legally responsible for representing the buyer's interest in a real estate transaction. Generally, the buyer agent is compensated by the seller at the time you purchase a new home. Because I look out for your best interest I will always be there to help point out potential concerns. For example, did you know that in some areas a swimming pool actually detracts from a home's value and makes the home harder to sell in the future? Also, in neighborhoods with two-car garages, a single-car garage may impact the home sale and future value. I am there to point out features that hurt, as well as those that help resale value.
Whether you're a first time buyer or an experienced buyer, it's always good to know that your Realtor® has your best interests in mind as you select a home.
Renting
vs.
Buying
Benefits of Buying
Build equity
When you pay rent, where does that money go? To the landlord. When you pay a mortgage, you increase your level of ownership in your home. Once you have built up your ownership (known as equity) you can borrow against to pay for major purchases.
Tax deductions
Get a tax break that Uncle Same doesn't give to renters. The biggest tax break is reflected in the house payment you make each month, because a majority of the payment is going towards interest. If you ever decide to sell, the gains on your sale may tax-free. These tax savings can be substantial.
Creative Control
Want to paint the walls? Hang dozens of photos? Now you can hammer away! No permission required.
Maintenance options
Ever rented and had to deal with maintenance issues? Then you likely know how it feels to be at the mercy of your landlord, it usually isn't pretty. Owning allows you the choice of doing it yourself or choosing who does the work and when.
Pride of home ownership
Having a home is still part of the American Dream. It may not make sense to everyone. If it does, there really is no place like home.
Benefits of Renting
Lower upfront cost
You may be required to pay a security deposit, usually in the amount of one or two months rent. If you buy, you will be required to pay a sizable down payment, plus costs for inspections, surveys, and financing. The difference can be a few thousand dollars when you opt to buy.
Invest money elsewhere
Use the money that would have been spent on buying a home and invest in the other opportunities. Depending on your housing location, and market conditions, other investments may bring better returns.
Uncertainty in your career
If you think you might need to move in the near future, or you're uncertain of your job status then renting may afford you the freedom and flexibility needed.
Time to establish credit
Have bad credit? Renting may give you the time you need to establish good credit. A history of regular and on-time payments can help build the credit needed to qualify for a mortgage.
No maintenance
Fridge dies? Pipe breaks? No worries, call the landlord and its handled.
Incidental expenses
Many times a landlord may pick up additional expenses such as snowplow, sewer, and garbage.
Are you fit to buy? Check out these great videos for helpful tips.
What I do for you.
These are the services I provide, as part of your representation agreement.
Buyer Counseling Session.
I will conduct a buyer counseling session to discuss your needs and goals, and to plan your property search.
Buyer Representation Agreement.
I will present and explain the representation agreement and the benefits it offers.
Buyer’s Package.
I will provide you with the pertinent information you will need during the buying process.
Financing Qualification.
I will offer to arrange to have you preapproved with our mortgage company.
Property Search.
I will set up a property search tied to the Realtor® MLS. The goal is to present you with properties as they debut or before they appear on the open market.
Property Showings.
I will show you properties that meet the criteria you have selected.
Property Evaluations.
I will discuss the positive and negative features of a property that may affect its value and future resale.
Property Disclosures.
I will review with you all inspection reports and other documents pertaining to the condition of the property and disclose all physical defects of the property that are known to us.
Review of Seller’s Disclosure.
I will thoroughly review with you the seller’s written disclosure statement to enable you to accept or specify the remedy for each fault disclosed.
Appraisal Contingency.
I will explain to you the option of an appraisal contingency.
Home Warranty.
I will explain to you the option of a home warranty plan to reduce your risk of repair when purchasing a property.
Home Inspections.
I will recommend that you obtain a professional home inspection.
Home Inspection Remedies.
I will work with you to request the seller remedy the items you specify.
Estimate of Funds Required.
I will provide you with an approximate preliminary estimate of closing costs and down payment requirement anticipated in the transaction.
Offer Preparation.
I will prepare a written offer on the property you choose to purchase, with terms approved by you.
Negotiation Strategy.
I will prepare a negotiation strategy for the property you have selected.
Offer Presentation.
I will present your purchase offer in the most favorable light possible.
Walk-Through.
I will accompany you on a thorough walk-through of the property (if one is provided for in the sales contract) before closing.
Closing the Sale.
I will monitor and inform you of the progress of the purchase agreement.
After-Sale Follow-Up.
I will contact you after the closing to follow up on remaining details or service needs.
Service Satisfaction Survey.
I will provide you with a confidential opportunity to give an evaluation of my services.
