Is It Important to Find a Listing Agent to Work With?
When house hunting, buyers may want to consider having their own listing agent to work on their behalf. Listing agents are required to work for both the buyer and the seller if they are working for both parties. However, it is always nice to have a non-biased agent that is focused on a buyer’s needs working in their corner. Real estate agents can show homes that are listed by other realtors by seeking out the listing agent and obtaining a key or key code. Buyers can attend a home showing privately with their own agent and get all of their questions and concerns addressed. A listing agent will be able to seek out knowledge such as the area’s demographics, school systems and real estate taxes as well as additional key points that may influence the buyer’s decision. A listing agent will also seek out other properties that are tailored to suit the buyer’s preferences and usually have a pool of resources to offer the buyer such as mortgage companies, title agencies and home inspectors.
What Questions Should Home Buyers Be Asking Their Agents?
Buyers may want to ask questions regarding zoning requirements that will need to be followed. Most cities and small villages require that buyers get permission when attempting to change the exterior in order to increase the value of their home. Cathy Carter of RealEstateChandler.com says, “Adding a fence or other structure may require a zoning permit. Many neighborhoods have a covenant agreement containing limitations that could affect the buyer’s purchase decision. Property lines are also a very important factor when looking for a home to buy. Buyers may want to avoid any potential property line disputes so that hefty unexpected costs or fines won’t become an issue.”
What Things Does A Home Buyer Need to Look into before Buying a Home?
Buyers may want to look at what rates their own personal bank has and compare high and low rates that the overall market is offering. Within the mortgage industry, there are several different programs for first time home buyers and several other niche loan opportunities that the buyer and prospective home may meet the qualifications or criteria for. Home owner’s insurance should also be shopped around in order to get the best deal. A buyer may be able to get a package discount rate for bundling car insurance with their home owner’s insurance. Prospective home buyers should always check with their current insurance agent first and then get competitive rates from comparable insurance companies. The media can offer a wide range or resources for prospective homeowners such as articles and tips on purchasing homeowners insurance so that buyers can do their homework before making a purchase decision by checking out links like this one in their spare time.
One of the most important factors when applying for a loan is the mortgage loan program that’s being presented. There are many variables including fixed and variable rates, term of loan, escrow and monthly payments that all need to be weighed out heavily. Various charts and loan options can be found online to view the different possibilities as well as articles and graphs that forecast the future mortgage industry such as this one.
Additional costs such as appliances, new furniture, window treatments and home improvements are added variables that should all come into play when making a decision about whether or not to purchase a home. Many of these things can be factored into the purchase deal. Buyers should go beyond their desired cosmetic improvements and broaden their focus to the age of the home’s hot water tank, furnace, air conditioning, windows, gutter and roof. Poor energy efficiency can lead to high utility bills and the buyer can end up incurring costs that they did not plan for. One costly update in an existing home that should always be considered is the home’s electric. Due to safety concerns, many loans require that fuse boxes and receptacles be up to the required codes and standards within the residential sector.
