Buying a home is like making a puzzle. Are your skills up to par?
Hire a realtor
Most buyers these days start their home search online. It can be a bit overwhelming but it’s a good way to get a feel for the housing market in your area. Be careful, the information on line is not always up to date and accurate so have your realtor work with you in finding the right listing.
What is the best way to find a Realtor who is a perfect fit for you? What is their reputation in the community? Are they honest and looking out for your best interest? Are their negotiation skills top notch? Can they keep the deal together when things start to fall apart? You want the answer to be yes to all of these questions. If you feel comfortable and the agent has all of these qualities, plus experience, good communication and happy clients then you have chosen the perfect agent for you.
Get a pre-approval
This is the next big key to the puzzle of home buying and the most important. Without funds you won’t be able to make your home buying dream come true. When looking for a bank or mortgage broker you might want to ask your Realtor for some referrals. Some banks are easier than others to work with. At the end of the day, when you select your new home, you want the bank to lend you the money. This can all fall apart in the final hour if your mortgage broker is not doing their job. I love working with small independent banks and mortgage brokers. My clients have had good luck and successfully closed on their new homes with little stress.
Find a home
You now have your Realtor and the bank pre approval in place. This is the fun part. Home shopping is exciting. You never know exactly what is inside – it’s like opening up a gift and being surprised. Yes, I know there are photos, but somehow it always looks different in person.
Hire a building inspector
It’s always worth the money to hire a qualified building inspector. Trust me, some are better than others. Your Realtor or friends should be able to suggest a few for you to call. You want to hire a company with lots of experience. Ask them what their fee will be so you can compare your options. Ask to see a sample of their report. This shows you how detailed the inspector will be.
Hire a real estate attorney
An experienced real estate attorney is priceless and a necessary part of your home buying transaction. They should definitely have good communication skills and have experience with all types of real estate transactions. Ask your Realtor for a few recommendations.
Home owners insurance
You will need to purchase a homeowners policy before the closing. This is a mortgage financing contingency. Make sure you have good coverage for your new home. This is part of your closing costs.
Set up your utility accounts
Don’t forget to call the electric company in your new neighborhood. Your Realtor can let you know who provides service in the area. Do you have gas or oil heat? You may have some choices when it comes to starting up a new account with a company in the area. Check pricing and see if they have a budget plan to make payments easier, especially during the winter months.
Move in
Find a mover in your area to help you on closing day. You have finally made it and are ready to move into your new home!! Ask your Realtor, attorney or friends who they have been happy with. There is nothing like a personal recommendation to make you feel comfortable about someone moving your precious belongings.
Everything should fall into place if you follow these suggestions. The importance of having an experienced qualified team like Bondi Realty Group LLC makes all the difference for a stress free transaction. We work with buyers and sellers in Norwalk, Westport, Wilton, Weston and lower Fairfield County. Call us today!
Betty Bondi
Bondi Realty Group LLC
203-899-9990