Nov 03

HOME BUYERS: How To Avoid Seven Costly Mistakes!

HOME BUYERS: How To Avoid Seven Costly Mistakes!

There are some simple steps that home buyers often miss when looking for their new home.

Taking the time to consider these steps can save home buyers thousands of dollars, but more importantly, can smooth the process of buying a new home. With just a touch of preparation, home buyers can save time and money, as well as alleviate stressful situations in advance.  Contained in this report are seven basic steps that will alleviate the uncertainty and trepidation that comes from buying a home, regardless of whether you are making your first purchase or are simply relocating.

Be Honest

1. Begin by being up front and honest with your REALTOR and lender about your credit history.  A home buyers credit, whether good or bad, affects everything from your down payment to your interest rates.  Your REALTOR or a professional mortgage consultant can often advise you the home buyers as to how you can get credit problems cleared up or completely eliminated from your credit report before you apply for financing or make an offer on a new home.

Get Pre-Qualified

2.  Getting pre-qualified for a loan by a professional lender before you begin your search for a new home will allow you to know in advance exactly what kind, and how much, mortgage you can afford.  This makes it possible for home buyers to make an offer on your new home with confidence that enough funding is available.

Ask For A Home Warranty

3.  If the seller does not offer a home warranty on the house you want, ask your REALTOR to make it a part of the written offer that you make.  A home warranty can save home buyers thousands of dollars in repairs, and can often be obtained for a very nominal annual fee.  A standard warranty covers the electrical, plumbing, heating and air conditioning systems as well as major home appliances.

Get A Market Analysis

4.  Ask your REALTOR for a market analysis of the home, in comparison to similar homes in the neighborhood or throughout the city, before you make an offer.  A home is not just a place where you live – it is also an investment.  Take the time to view several homes before you make an offer so you know exactly what is on the market.  Be certain you are making a wise investment.

Get a Home Inspection

5.  Make your offer contingent upon a home inspection and ask the seller to make the required repairs.  Hire a professional to inspect every aspect of the home thoroughly.  This can save home buyers thousands of dollars in costly repairs and many headaches in the future.  A good inspection can also allow you to negotiate for any repairs prior to closing.  If the seller is not willing to make the necessary repairs, remind them that the lender will also require the home to be in good condition before they make a loan for the purchase.

Understand Your Situation

6.  Take into account your present homeowner or renter status.  If you already own a home and must sell it before you buy a new one, it is best to get a REALTOR to do a complete market analysis on your present home.  This allows home buyers to know how much they can sell their current home for before they make an offer on a new one.  If you are leasing or renting, the lease’s expiration date will give you a timetable for your new purchase.  Review this with your REALTOR well in advance of when you want to move.

Select the Right Agent

7.  Choose your agent wisely.  Working with a full-time professional real estate agent is a must. Ask questions of your agent.  Find out how knowledgeable he or she is about houses currently for sale in your price range and also of houses that have recently sold.  Can your agent recommend a good lender that has the reputation of excellent customer service and low rates?  Does your agent ask questions of you to have a full understanding of what you are looking for and to help you get the most home for the money?

A top-tier real estate agent is one who is interested not just in selling houses, but one who is willing and able to match you to the home of your dreams!  It is to the home buyers benefit to interview more than one agent until you find one that is best suited and prepared to provide the pride of ownership for you and your family.


 

admin

For all of your Real Estate needs, place yourself in the competent hands of a career Realtor who is a Philadelphia native and Delaware County resident. Skilled, smart and enthusiastic about his work and his life, Anthony DiDonato has the appealing combination of business sense and people skills gives him an edge in an industry that demands both.

Educated at Drexel University with a dual major in accounting and finance and minors in management and psychology Anthony DiDonato offers over 25 years of experience in the real estate industry. He has been a real estate investor since 1985 and a member of H.A.P.C.O. (Landlord Association). He became a licensed Realtor in 1992 and a member of the Local, Pennsylvania and National Associations of Realtors. Anthony DiDonato is also a member of the Computerized Multiple Listings, (MLS) and Internet Marketing Programs. In 1997 Anthony DiDonato became Century 21 All-Elite, Inc. Corporate Secretary.

Anthony DiDonato believes in taking his profession to the highest level of quality service. He is known for finding that “perfect” property in Philadelphia, Delaware County, Chester County, Montgomery County and surrounding areas in Pennsylvania for his buyers and helping his sellers prepare their properties so they sell quickly and efficiently.

When it comes time to negotiate the terms of a contract, Anthony DiDonato has the knowledge, experience, and professionalism applied to meeting – or exceeding – his clients’ expectations. His service to his clients is second to none. His honesty and integrity have been his claim to fame.

For Superior Real Estate Representation in the Delaware Valley, Philadelphia, Delaware County, Chester County, Montgomery County and surrounding areas in Pennsylvania… call Anthony DiDonato.