Savannah Real Estate Blog - Sharon Black Realty Recently posted or modified blog posts in the category - Buying a Homehttps://www.sharonblackrealty.com/blog/Copyright SharonBlackRealty.com2023-05-29T13:26:07-07:00tag:sharonblackrealty.com,2012-09-20:5349 Discovering Your Ideal Neighborhood: Key Factors to Consider When Relocating
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1985/image/unnamed_1.jpg" width="1620" height="1080" />Relocating to a new area can be an exciting but overwhelming experience. One of the most important aspects of a successful move is finding the right neighborhood that meets your needs and lifestyle. Here are some key factors to consider when discovering your ideal neighborhood:<br /><br />
Location<br />Location is one of the most critical factors to consider when choosing a new neighborhood. It's essential to consider the proximity of the neighborhood to your workplace, schools, medical facilities, and other amenities. You'll also want to think about the distance to your family and friends, as well as the overall safety of the area.<br /><br />
Cost of Living<br />Before deciding on a neighborhood, it's essential to consider the cost of living. Factors like property taxes, home prices, and utility costs can significantly impact your overall living expenses. Make sure to research the cost of living in your desired neighborhood to ensure it fits your budget.<br /><br />
Amenities<br />The availability of amenities in a neighborhood can play a significant role in determining whether it's the right fit for you. Consider the proximity of grocery stores, restaurants, parks, and shopping centers. You'll also want to think about the availability of public transportation, access to highways, and other conveniences that are important to your lifestyle.<br /><br />
Schools<br />If you have children, it's crucial to consider the quality of the schools in the neighborhood. Research the school district and check the school ratings to ensure that the schools in the area meet your expectations. You may also want to consider the distance to schools and the availability of extracurricular activities.<br /><br />
Community<br />Finally, consider the community of the neighborhood. Are there events and activities that you can participate in? Is the neighborhood diverse and inclusive? Consider whether the community aligns with your values and interests.<br /><br />
In conclusion, finding your ideal neighborhood is crucial to a successful relocation. By considering these key factors, you can make an informed decision about which neighborhood will best meet your needs and lifestyle. As a real estate agent, I am happy to assist you in your search for your perfect neighborhood.
2023-05-01T12:42:26-07:002023-05-01T12:46:43-07:00Tom Blacktag:sharonblackrealty.com,2012-09-20:5077You May Not Need as Much as You Think for Your Down PaymentYou May Not Need as Much as You Think for Your Down Payment [INFOGRAPHIC]
<img width="1046" height="1917" src="https://files.mykcm.com/2023/02/01164441/You-May-Not-Need-As-Much-As-You-Think-For-Your-Down-Payment-MEM-1046x1917.png" class="attachment-entry size-entry wp-post-image" alt="You May Not Need as Much as You Think for Your Down Payment [INFOGRAPHIC] | MyKCM" loading="lazy" srcset="https://files.mykcm.com/2023/02/01164441/You-May-Not-Need-As-Much-As-You-Think-For-Your-Down-Payment-MEM-1046x1917.png 1046w, https://files.mykcm.com/2023/02/01164441/You-May-Not-Need-As-Much-As-You-Think-For-Your-Down-Payment-MEM-327x600.png 327w, https://files.mykcm.com/2023/02/01164441/You-May-Not-Need-As-Much-As-You-Think-For-Your-Down-Payment-MEM-559x1024.png 559w, https://files.mykcm.com/2023/02/01164441/You-May-Not-Need-As-Much-As-You-Think-For-Your-Down-Payment-MEM-768x1408.png 768w, https://files.mykcm.com/2023/02/01164441/You-May-Not-Need-As-Much-As-You-Think-For-Your-Down-Payment-MEM-838x1536.png 838w, https://files.mykcm.com/2023/02/01164441/You-May-Not-Need-As-Much-As-You-Think-For-Your-Down-Payment-MEM-1117x2048.png 1117w, https://files.mykcm.com/2023/02/01164441/You-May-Not-Need-As-Much-As-You-Think-For-Your-Down-Payment-MEM-100x183.png 100w, https://files.mykcm.com/2023/02/01164441/You-May-Not-Need-As-Much-As-You-Think-For-Your-Down-Payment-MEM.png 1300w" sizes="(max-width: 1046px) 100vw, 1046px" /><br /><br />
Some Highlights
Many people believe you need to <a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2023/01/03/wondering-how-much-you-need-to-save-for-a-down-payment/?a=504836-817d7b68fbe8d29c369fab8c661efa77" title="put down 20%" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">put down 20%</a> of the purchase price when you buy a home. But recent homebuyers actually put down <a href="https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/highlights-from-the-profile-of-home-buyers-and-sellers" title="far less" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">far less</a> on their purchase.
And with programs like <a href="https://www.fhaloans.com/" title="FHA loans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">FHA loans</a>, <a href="https://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/index.asp" title="VA loans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">VA loans</a>, and <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/news-release/usda-rural-home-loans-offer-100-financing-and-no-down-payment" title="USDA loans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">USDA loans</a>, some qualified buyers are able to put down as little as 0-3.5%.
Let’s connect to make sure you have a trusted lender and can find out if you’re <a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2022/12/26/financial-fundamentals-for-first-time-homebuyers/?a=504836-817d7b68fbe8d29c369fab8c661efa77" title="ready to buy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ready to buy</a> a home sooner rather than later.
2023-02-04T11:12:44-07:002023-02-04T11:27:12-07:00Tom Blacktag:sharonblackrealty.com,2012-09-20:5075Why It Makes Sense To Move Before SpringWhy It Makes Sense To Move Before Spring
<img width="750" height="410" src="https://files.mykcm.com/2023/01/25112149/why-it-makes-sense-to-move-before-spring-KCM.jpg" class="attachment-entry size-entry wp-post-image" alt="Why It Makes Sense To Move Before Spring | MyKCM" loading="lazy" srcset="https://files.mykcm.com/2023/01/25112149/why-it-makes-sense-to-move-before-spring-KCM.jpg 750w, https://files.mykcm.com/2023/01/25112149/why-it-makes-sense-to-move-before-spring-KCM-600x328.jpg 600w, https://files.mykcm.com/2023/01/25112149/why-it-makes-sense-to-move-before-spring-KCM-100x55.jpg 100w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /><br /><br />
Spring is usually the busiest season in the housing market. Many buyers wait until then to make their move, believing it’s the best time to find a home. However, that isn’t always the case when you factor in the competition you could face with other buyers at that time of year. If you’re ready to buy a home, here’s why it makes sense to move before the spring market picks up.
Spring Should Bring a Wave of Buyers to the Market
In most years, the housing market goes through predictable seasonal trends in activity. Winter is typically a quiet point in the year, while spring sees a surge of buyers begin their search. And experts project that this year will be no exception.
Right now, buyer demand is low due to a combination of normal seasonal trends and a reaction to last year’s rise in mortgage rates. But rates have started to come down since last November, which has more and more potential buyers planning to jump into the market. That means right now is a sweet spot if you’re in a good position to buy, before more buyers reappear. Affordability is beginning to improve, but demand is still low — for now. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), <a href="https://www.housingwire.com/articles/existing-home-sales-ended-the-year-with-a-whimper-in-2022/" title="shares" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">shares</a>:
“. . . expect sales to pick up again soon since mortgage rates have markedly declined after peaking late last year.”
If you’re ready to buy a home, right now is the best time to do so before your competition grows and more buyers enter the market.
Today’s Sellers Are Motivated
Low demand from buyers often means sellers are more motivated to work with you, and that can set you up to buy a home on your terms. In fact, sellers have been more willing to <a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2022/12/14/you-may-have-more-negotiation-power-when-you-buy-a-home-today/?a=504836-817d7b68fbe8d29c369fab8c661efa77" title="negotiate" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">negotiate</a> this winter because there are fewer buyers in the market. According to a recent article from <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/brendarichardson/2023/01/05/a-record-share-of-home-sellers-gave-concessions-to-buyers-in-the-4th-quarter/?sh=58dc6ba3fbee" title="Forbes" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Forbes</a>:
“. . . sellers gave concessions to buyers in 41.9% of home sales in the fourth quarter of last year.”
But keep in mind, the advantages buyers have this winter won’t last forever. The competition you face could be greater if you wait until spring to make a move, and increased buyer demand means sellers will have less motivation to negotiate with you. Be sure to work with a trusted real estate professional to learn what you can expect in your local market right now.
Bottom Line
If you’re in a good position to make a move, it may make sense to move before spring. Working with your team of expert real estate advisors is the best way to learn about the current market and what it means for you. Let’s connect today to determine the best plan to achieve your homebuying goals.
2023-02-04T11:09:04-07:002023-02-04T11:10:28-07:00Tom Blacktag:sharonblackrealty.com,2012-09-20:2993What’s the Difference between an Appraisal and a Home Inspection?What’s the Difference between an Appraisal and a Home Inspection?
<img width="750" height="410" src="https://files.mykcm.com/2021/01/25122555/20210126-KCM-Share.jpg" class="attachment-entry size-entry wp-post-image" alt="What’s the Difference between an Appraisal and a Home Inspection? | MyKCM" loading="lazy" srcset="https://files.mykcm.com/2021/01/25122555/20210126-KCM-Share.jpg 750w, https://files.mykcm.com/2021/01/25122555/20210126-KCM-Share-600x328.jpg 600w, https://files.mykcm.com/2021/01/25122555/20210126-KCM-Share-100x55.jpg 100w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /><br /><br />
If you’re planning to buy a home, an <a href="https://cdn.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/documents/valuation-appraisal-for-homebuyers-12-2020.pdf" title="appraisal" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">appraisal</a> is an important <a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2020/12/04/the-path-to-homeownership-infographic/?a=504836-817d7b68fbe8d29c369fab8c661efa77" title="step" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">step</a> in the process. It’s a professional evaluation of the market value of the home you’d like to buy. In most cases, an appraisal is ordered by the lender to confirm or verify the value of the home prior to lending a buyer money for the purchase. It’s also a different step in the process from a home inspection, which assesses the condition of the home before you finalize the transaction. Here’s the breakdown of each one and why they’re both important when buying a home.
Home Appraisal
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) <a href="https://www.nar.realtor/appraisal-valuation/residential-appraisal-process-for-home-buyers" title="explains" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">explains</a>:
“A home purchase is typically the largest investment someone will make. Protect yourself by getting your investment appraised! An appraiser will observe the property, analyze the data, and report their findings to their client. For the typical home purchase transaction, the lender usually orders the appraisal to assist in the lender’s decision to provide funds for a mortgage.”
When you apply for a mortgage, an unbiased appraisal (which is required by the lender) is the best way to confirm the value of the home based on the sale price. Regardless of what you’re willing to pay for a house, if you’ll be using a mortgage to fund your purchase, the appraisal will help make sure the bank doesn’t loan you more than what the home is worth.
This is especially critical in today’s <a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2020/12/10/why-it-makes-sense-to-sell-your-house-this-holiday-season/?a=504836-817d7b68fbe8d29c369fab8c661efa77" title="sellers’ market" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">sellers’ market</a> where low <a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/01/14/why-right-now-may-be-the-time-to-sell-your-house/?a=504836-817d7b68fbe8d29c369fab8c661efa77" title="inventory" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">inventory</a> is driving an increase in <a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2020/10/16/how-to-prepare-for-a-bidding-war-infographic/?a=504836-817d7b68fbe8d29c369fab8c661efa77" title="bidding wars" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">bidding wars</a>, which can push home <a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/01/11/what-does-2021-have-in-store-for-home-values/?a=504836-817d7b68fbe8d29c369fab8c661efa77" title="prices" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">prices</a> upward. When sellers are in a strong position like this, they tend to believe they can set whatever price they want for their house under the assumption that competing buyers will be willing to pay more.
However, the lender will only allow the buyer to borrow based on the value of the home. This is what helps keep home prices in check. If there’s ever any confusion or discrepancy between the appraisal and the sale price, your trusted real estate professional will help you navigate any additional negotiations in the buying process.
Home Inspection
Here’s the key difference between an appraisal and an inspection. MSN <a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/realestate/what-is-a-home-appraisal-everything-you-need-to-know/ar-BB17nckC?fbclid=IwAR2hDqkZowDqKWBcb7DxAI_iy37ONH_n3-B1XBOYdN0_resgnZr163iZ9j0" title="explains" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">explains</a>:
“In simplest terms, a home appraisal determines the value of a home, while a home inspection determines the condition of a home.”
The home <a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2019/10/01/what-to-expect-from-your-home-inspection-2/?a=504836-817d7b68fbe8d29c369fab8c661efa77" title="inspection" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">inspection</a> is a way to determine the current state, safety, and condition of the home before you finalize the sale. If anything is questionable in the inspection process – like the age of the roof, the state of the HVAC system, or just about anything else – you as a buyer have the option to discuss and negotiate any potential issues or repairs with the seller before the transaction is final. Your real estate agent is a key expert to help you through this part of the process.
Bottom Line
The appraisal and the inspection are critical steps when buying a home, and you don’t need to manage them by yourself. Let’s connect today so you have the expert guidance you need to navigate through the entire homebuying process.
2021-02-02T07:47:00-07:002023-05-29T13:26:07-07:00Tom Blacktag:sharonblackrealty.com,2012-09-20:2992Want to Build Wealth? Buy a Home This YearWant to Build Wealth? Buy a Home This Year.
<img width="750" height="410" src="https://files.mykcm.com/2021/02/01143538/20210202-KCM-Share.jpg" class="attachment-entry size-entry wp-post-image" alt="Want to Build Wealth? Buy a Home This Year. | MyKCM" loading="lazy" srcset="https://files.mykcm.com/2021/02/01143538/20210202-KCM-Share.jpg 750w, https://files.mykcm.com/2021/02/01143538/20210202-KCM-Share-600x328.jpg 600w, https://files.mykcm.com/2021/02/01143538/20210202-KCM-Share-100x55.jpg 100w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /><br /><br />
Every year, households across the country make the decision to rent for another year or take the leap into homeownership. They look at their earnings and savings and then decide what makes the most financial sense. That equation will most likely take into consideration monthly housing costs, tax advantages, and other incremental expenses. Using these measurements, recent studies show that it’s still more <a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/01/20/owning-a-home-is-still-more-affordable-than-renting-one/?a=504836-817d7b68fbe8d29c369fab8c661efa77" title="affordable" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">affordable</a> to own than rent in most of the country.
There is, however, another financial advantage to owning a home that’s often forgotten in the analysis – the wealth built through equity when you own a home.
Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist for First American, discusses this point in a recent blog post. She <a href="https://blog.firstam.com/economics/dont-overlook-the-benefit-of-equity-when-considering-whether-to-rent-or-own" title="explains" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">explains</a>:
“Once you include the equity benefit of price appreciation, owning made more financial sense than renting in 48 out of the 50 top markets, with the only exceptions being San Francisco and San Jose, Calif.”
What has this equity piece meant to homeowners in the past?
ATTOM Data Solutions, the curator of one of the nation’s premier property databases, just analyzed the typical <a href="https://www.attomdata.com/news/market-trends/home-sales-prices/attom-data-solutions-2020-year-end-u-s-home-sales-report/" title="home-price gain" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">home-price gain</a> owners nationwide enjoyed when they sold their homes. Here’s a breakdown of their findings:<a href="https://files.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/02/01143542/20200202-MEM-Eng-1.jpg?a=504836-817d7b68fbe8d29c369fab8c661efa77" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-97243" src="https://files.mykcm.com/2021/02/01143542/20200202-MEM-Eng-1.jpg" alt="Want to Build Wealth? Buy a Home This Year. | MyKCM" width="600" height="450" /></a>The typical gain in the sale of the home (equity) has increased significantly over the last five years.
CoreLogic, another property data curator, also weighed in on the subject. According to their latest <a href="https://www.corelogic.com/insights-download/homeowner-equity-report.aspx" title="Homeowner Equity Insights Report" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Homeowner Equity Insights Report</a>, the average homeowner gained $17,000 in equity in just the last year alone.
What does the future look like for homeowners when it comes to equity?
Here are the seven major home price appreciation forecasts for 2021:<a href="https://files.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/02/01143540/20200202-MEM-Eng-2.jpg?a=504836-817d7b68fbe8d29c369fab8c661efa77" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-97242" src="https://files.mykcm.com/2021/02/01143540/20200202-MEM-Eng-2.jpg" alt="Want to Build Wealth? Buy a Home This Year. | MyKCM" width="600" height="450" /></a>The National Association of Realtors (NAR) just <a href="https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/existing-home-sales-rise-0-7-in-december-annual-sales-see-highest-level-since-2006" title="reported" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">reported</a> that today, the median-priced home in the country sells for $309,800. If homes appreciate by 5% this year (the average of the forecasts), the homeowner will increase their wealth by $15,490 in 2021 through increased equity.
Bottom Line
As you make your plans for the coming year, be sure to consider the equity benefits of home price appreciation as you weigh the financial advantages of buying over renting. When you do, you may find this is the perfect time to jump into homeownership.
2021-02-02T07:34:00-07:002023-05-29T13:18:49-07:00Tom Blacktag:sharonblackrealty.com,2012-09-20:2351How Your Daily Drive Time can Factor into Your Mortgage<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1985/image/melanie/traffic-jam.jpg" width="960" height="540" />
It’s easy to overlook some of the things that can affect your budget and purchasing power when you’re considering a home, and one of the biggest factors that buyers overlook is the cost of their daily commute.
We’ve all heard that real estate is all about “location, location, location,” and properties in more desirable locations typically come with a higher price tag than similar properties that aren’t in a hot neighborhood.
Yet the overall cost of living for choosing one location over another might be negligible when you factor in the commuting costs that are required—gas, vehicle maintenance, insurance—if you purchase a home that is significantly further from your workplace. If your mortgage is $200 less per month, but you’re spending an extra $200 in commuting costs, are you really saving money?
Commuting costs aren’t just about the disposable income left in your bank account, either. It can even affect how much money you can borrow. If you’re a long-distance commuter, a loan officer may factor your travel costs into your debt-to-income ratio.
Aside from how commuting affects your purchasing power or disposable income, there’s also the question of how it affects your quality of life—no one wants to spend hours a week just getting to and from work.
The real estate market varies greatly from location to location, so the best way to get a complete picture of your purchasing power—and all the factors that go into your home budget—is to speak to a trusted real estate professional.
2020-05-20T10:30:00-07:002023-05-29T12:37:31-07:00Tom Blacktag:sharonblackrealty.com,2012-09-20:2359Before You Take the Plunge with a Fixer-Upper, Think About Resale Value<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1985/image/melanie/Front_Porch.jpg" width="1350" height="900" />
We’ve all watched the HGTV programs that show a run-down old house transforming into a dream home. Tackling a big renovation project on an outdated property can indeed pay off big—both with the home of your dreams, and with a return on investment. If resale value is a primary concern, consider these factors as you’re making your fixer-upper plans.
Is the price right?<br />How much can you invest in a home beyond the sale price while staying in line with the value of homes in the neighborhood? You don’t want to improve a home to the point that it’s worth far more than the norm for the area. You’ll enjoy the property while you’re living there, but if you ever decide to sell, your ROI could be limited by the market value of nearby houses.
Low cost, instant equity<br />There are a lot of low cost and DIY improvements that will add equity almost immediately, such as rehabbing the landscaping and adding fresh coats of paint. These improvements add value to the property almost instantly.
What’s worth spending on?<br />A little elbow grease goes a long way, but there will inevitably be projects that require some serious spending. If you’re concerned with getting a return on your investment, focus your dollars toward the roof, floors, and the home’s exterior. They’re not flashy upgrades, but they’re important for future buyers. On the other hand, luxuries like a swimming pool are unlikely to see any return on investment.2020-05-19T14:45:00-07:002023-05-29T12:56:30-07:00Tom Blacktag:sharonblackrealty.com,2012-09-20:2338Thinking About Buying Soon? Make Sure Your Credit is in Order<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1985/image/melanie/Good_Bad_Credit.jpg" width="696" height="464" />
When you're about to apply for a mortgage, improving your credit score is crucial. A good credit score can save you significant money, potentially thousands of dollars, over the loan's lifespan. Here are some steps you can take that will make a noticeable impact on your credit score:<br />- Pay off your credit card balances: Your credit utilization is a significant factor in determining your credit score. It should ideally be less than 30 percent of your limit and even better if it's below 15 percent. Credit utilization applies to both individual cards and your overall credit limit. You could use down payment funds to pay off your credit card balances.<br />- Do not cause any harm: If you plan to apply for a mortgage soon, it's best to avoid opening new lines of credit. Doing so will result in a hard inquiry appearing on your credit report.<br />- Address negative items: It's good practice to check your credit report a few times a year for negative things, such as collections or late payments. You can get free information annually from each of the three major bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion). If you find any negative items, write a letter to the original creditor explaining the circumstances that led to it and request its removal from your report. Writing this letter can be surprisingly effective and improve your credit score quickly. You can find templates for request letters online.
2020-05-10T11:00:00-07:002023-05-29T12:19:14-07:00Tom Blacktag:sharonblackrealty.com,2012-09-20:2357New Home, Better Living<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1985/image/melanie/hOUSE5.jpg" width="612" height="408" />
When you’re house hunting, focus on the things that will improve your quality of life.<br />
There are so many factors that go into a home buying decision that it can make your head spin—especially if you’re in a competitive market where time is of the essence. The desire to purchase a property makes it easy to look past issues that could detract from your enjoyment of the home and cause some regrets down the road. That’s why when you’re weighing your options, quality of life should always be the top priority.
Location is part of lifestyle<br />
Buyers often focus on “must haves” that can be added via renovation, but will downplay factors that are impossible to change. For example, if you work and spend much of your free time in the heart of a busy city, a house in the suburbs may mean more space for the same price, but it could also mean long commutes and a major hit to your nightlife. A centrally-located condo might be a better option.
On the other hand, if you’re a weekend warrior who looks forward to skiing, hiking, and mountain biking trips, living outside the city may be perfect—you’re that much closer to the trails when you wake up on Saturday morning. It’s a cliche, but it’s true: Location, location, location.
Big homes aren’t for everyone<br />
If you love entertaining friends and family, a big house makes perfect sense. You’ll have all the space you need to prepare meals and throw big parties, and your guests won’t have any trouble finding parking.
But a big home also means more cleaning and maintenance—more lawn to mow, more bathrooms to scrub, more things that will break and need fixing. Before you dive into an alluring big home, consider your tolerance and enthusiasm for the upkeep. For some, a smaller home or a professionally-maintained condo are better options.
<br /><br /><br />2020-05-10T08:05:00-07:002023-05-29T12:00:29-07:00Tom Blacktag:sharonblackrealty.com,2012-09-20:2320How an Agent Can Help Alleviate Stress<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1985/image/melanie/Realtor_Showing_Property.jpg" width="1140" height="641" />
Purchasing a home can be a stressful experience, whether you’re a first-time buyer or you’ve been through the process before. But that’s one of the reasons that working with a real estate professional is so worthwhile. With your agent’s guidance, buying a home should be enjoyable, rather than stressful. Here are some of the more unique circumstances where your agent can make your life much easier.
Out-of-town buyers: If you’re looking for vacation homes or moving to a job in a new city, there’s a good chance that viewing homes will be difficult—you could be a long drive or even a plane ride away. With today’s video messaging apps like Skype or Facetime, your agent can walk you through a property virtually. It’s not the same as walking through in person, but it will at least give you an idea about whether a property is worth pursuing further.
When life is just too crazy: If you’re just getting too busy with everything else going on in your life, a good buyer’s agent should be able to recognize the situation and help you take a step back. They can suggest that you take a few weeks off from your home search to recharge, or only focus on properties that exactly fit your wants list.
Inspection issues: You’re dreaming about move-in day, and then some unforeseen issues turn up during inspection. A good agent can work out those issues by negotiating a lower offer—to cover costs of repairs—or by getting the seller to fix the problem.2020-05-08T14:15:00-07:002023-05-29T10:56:57-07:00Tom Black