Buying a home is such a huge purchase, and it's often a bit intimidating to know exactly what to do throughout the process. Even seasoned veterans can make some mistakes along the way. Here are a few of the most common mistakes you can make and how to avoid them.
Often people forget to really plan prior to searching for a home. Not only do you need to get pre-approval for a home loan, but you need to really decide how much you feel comfortable paying each month for your home. If you are pre-approved for $400,000, this doesn't mean you actually have to spend that much. The pre-approval amount plus your down payment are simply the maximum amount of a mortgage you are able to afford, but you might be hoping to have a bit more disposable income or money placed in savings, and that is fine. Remember that there are other costs aside from the mortgage payment, such as house insurance, property tax and association dues.
Never judge a book by its cover and don't judge a home by its appearance either. For instance, you might be turned off by the mess or outdated decor in a home, but it is important to remember that the seller's clutter and decor are not permanent. Decor can be changed and updated. Likewise, a house that is decorated exactly the way you love is great, but the home truly needs to suit your family beyond the ascetics. The house might look fantastic on the surface, but actually need new plumbing and a new roof.
Not only do you have to live in the house, you also have to live in the neighborhood. This is why you really need to research the location. Take a look at the homes in the neighborhood. Are they well-maintained? Generally, we visit homes in the middle of the day when a neighborhood tends to be fairly quiet. Be sure to return at night and on a weekend day to really get a sense of the true noise level. Listen for barking dogs and loud music from the garage band across the street. A busy street also can be a cause for concern, particularly if you have kids or pets. Living across from a school or just down the street from a hospital or fire station also can be disruptive. Also keep in mind how far the home is from work and services, such as grocery stores, drug stores and restaurants.
These days, some people tend to think that they don't need a realtor to help them with the buying process. After all, aren't all the listings already on the internet? While it is true that it is now much easier to find homes to consider buying, having a real estate agent is huge asset, especially for a buyer. They will present your offer and help you negotiate the best price, help you deal with any problems that arise during escrow and offer helpful advice about most real estate issues. They also often have the line on homes about to go on the market or sellers who recently pulled off the market but are still considering a sale.
The team at Nixon Real Estate is ready and willing to help anyone searching for Texas Hill Country real estate. This includes homes for sale in Fredericksburg, San Antonio homes for sale, Kerrville homes for sale or real estate in other Texas Hill Country towns and cities.
Often people forget to really plan prior to searching for a home. Not only do you need to get pre-approval for a home loan, but you need to really decide how much you feel comfortable paying each month for your home. If you are pre-approved for $400,000, this doesn't mean you actually have to spend that much. The pre-approval amount plus your down payment are simply the maximum amount of a mortgage you are able to afford, but you might be hoping to have a bit more disposable income or money placed in savings, and that is fine. Remember that there are other costs aside from the mortgage payment, such as house insurance, property tax and association dues.
Never judge a book by its cover and don't judge a home by its appearance either. For instance, you might be turned off by the mess or outdated decor in a home, but it is important to remember that the seller's clutter and decor are not permanent. Decor can be changed and updated. Likewise, a house that is decorated exactly the way you love is great, but the home truly needs to suit your family beyond the ascetics. The house might look fantastic on the surface, but actually need new plumbing and a new roof.
Not only do you have to live in the house, you also have to live in the neighborhood. This is why you really need to research the location. Take a look at the homes in the neighborhood. Are they well-maintained? Generally, we visit homes in the middle of the day when a neighborhood tends to be fairly quiet. Be sure to return at night and on a weekend day to really get a sense of the true noise level. Listen for barking dogs and loud music from the garage band across the street. A busy street also can be a cause for concern, particularly if you have kids or pets. Living across from a school or just down the street from a hospital or fire station also can be disruptive. Also keep in mind how far the home is from work and services, such as grocery stores, drug stores and restaurants.
These days, some people tend to think that they don't need a realtor to help them with the buying process. After all, aren't all the listings already on the internet? While it is true that it is now much easier to find homes to consider buying, having a real estate agent is huge asset, especially for a buyer. They will present your offer and help you negotiate the best price, help you deal with any problems that arise during escrow and offer helpful advice about most real estate issues. They also often have the line on homes about to go on the market or sellers who recently pulled off the market but are still considering a sale.
The team at Nixon Real Estate is ready and willing to help anyone searching for Texas Hill Country real estate. This includes homes for sale in Fredericksburg, San Antonio homes for sale, Kerrville homes for sale or real estate in other Texas Hill Country towns and cities.
About the Author:
Pammy McGrath enjoys reading real estate blogs. If you are looking for licensed Fredericksburg real estate agents, or to discover Fredericksburg homes for sale, please visit the NixonRealEstate site now.
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