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Looking
to buy?
If so, start
out by looking through my listings
page. For more assistance in finding your dream home please
use my Home Buyer Finder.
If you would like to receive active listings in your price range,
and preferred location please complete our home
buyer feature below and I will be in touch with you so we
can discuss your home buying requirements.
FIND
YOUR DREAM HOME NOW!
Buying
Real Estate 101
The questions surrounding a house purchase can feel endless.
You can find the answers - and peace of mind - by working with
Barry Gibbon and RE/MAX,
the industry leader in experience and service.
1. Hire Barry Gibbon, a real estate professional.
The first step is to select a professional to help you find
your dream home and fine-tune your financial expectations. Barry
Gibbon can guide you through every step to buying a home.
2. Shop for mortgage rates and terms.
A difference of even half a percentage point can mean a huge
savings 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.
Click
here for our Mortgage Calculator.
3. 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.
4. 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?
5. Visit properties.
Now you're ready to visit houses. Barry
Gibbon will arrange showings, and keep track of the properties
you've seen.
6. Know the features that help or hurt resale.
Barry Gibbon can point out features that hurt or help resale
value.
7. 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.
8. Make an offer.
Once you've pinpointed your dream house, it's time to get serious
about the financial and contractual side of the purchase. Barry
Gibbon will be a strong advantage since you and the seller
have different goals.
9. Arrange for a home inspection.
After your offer is accepted, set up a home inspection. Barry
Gibbon can help find a reputable inspector, and will negotiate
to get you the most for your money once the inspector's report
is final. If you negotiate repairs as part of the purchase,
ask for a "walk through" before finalizing the paperwork.
Ask your real estate expert about home protection plans, which
may save you money in the near future.
10. 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.
11. 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. |
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