| Buying a home is an exciting and complex adventure. It can also be a very time-consuming and costly one if you’re not familiar with all aspects of the process, and don’t have all the best information and resources at hand.
One of my specialties is representing the best interests of Charlotte area buyers throughout the home buying process. My comprehensive, high-quality services can save you time and money, as well as make the experience more enjoyable and less stressful. If you’re like most people, buying a home is the biggest investment you will ever make. So whether you’re buying a starter home, your dream home or an investment property, why not take advantage of my experience as a local market expert for the Charlotte Metro Area to make the most informed decisions you can, every step of the way? |
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Buyer Tips
Whether you’ve spent years saving and preparing to buy a home, or are unsure if you can afford it, the questions surrounding a house purchase can feel endless.
You can find the answers – and peace of mind – by working with Hines & Associates Realty, Charlotte’s leader in experience and service.
Here are some tips to help you become your own landlord.
- Hire a real estate professional.
The first step is to contact Hines & Associates Realty to help you find your dream home and fine-tune your financial expectations. Working with a buyer agent is worth consideration since he or she is legally responsible for representing the buyer’s interest in a real estate transaction. Hines & Associates Realty will guide you through every step to buying a home.
- Shop for mortgage rates and terms.
A difference of even half a percentage point can make a huge difference in how much you pay over the life of a loan. For example, the difference in the monthly payment on a $100,000 mortgage at 8 percent vs. 7.5 percent is about $35 per month. Over 30 years, that’s $12,600. Hines & Associates Realty has preferred lenders who will be happy to assist you with all of your finance needs.- Prequalify for a loan.
Your third step should be to get prequalified, which determines how much you can afford. It allows you to move swiftly when you find the right home, especially when there are other interested buyers. It also indicates to the seller that you are serious and really can afford to buy the property.- Define what you want.
The next step is to create a realistic idea of the property you’d like to buy. What features are most important to you? Make two lists: one of the items you can’t live without and one of the features you would enjoy. Refine the lists as you house hunt. It is also helpful to search online to see what is currently available on the market. Hines & Associates Realty will supply you with a user-friendly guide to buying a home.
- Visit properties.
Now you’re ready to visit houses. Hines & Associates Realtywill arrange showings, and keep track of the properties you’ve seen.- Know the features that help or hurt resale.
In some areas, a swimming pool actually detracts from a home’s value and makes it harder to sell. In neighborhoods with two-car, attached garages, a single-car or detached garage may impact the home sale and future value.Hines & Associates Realty will point out features that hurt, and those that help, resale value.- Rate the houses you tour.
After touring each home, write down what you liked and didn’t like. Develop a rating system that will help narrow the field down. For example, pick the house you like best on day one and compare all other houses to it. When you find a better one, use the new favorite as the standard
- Buy the house.
Once you’ve pinpointed your dream house, it’s time to get serious about the financial and contractual side of the purchase.- Arrange for a home inspection.
Hines & Associates Realty will set up a home inspection. It’s not unusual to find problems, including leaky roofs, cracked walls, insect infestations and foundation problems. Hines & Associates Realty will recommend an inspector, and will negotiate to get you the most for your money once the inspector’s report is final. Hines & Associates Realty will educate you about home protection plans, which may save you money in the near future.- Close.
Before your closing date, make sure you’ve made all necessary deposits and completed the paperwork – including mortgage, title, homeowners insurance and any other paperwork required by local or state governments.- Prepare for life in your new home.
Before rolling out the welcome mat, consider some moving basics: arranging for an alarm company, turning on electricity, water and gas, cleaning or replacing the carpet, and notifying your local post office of your new address. The best time for renovations is often before you move in. Hines & Associates Realty can assist you will all of these things.
