shrewsbury massachusett - Google News
shrewsbury massachusett - Google News
Google News
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02/03/2012 11:49 AM
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Shrewsbury flea market has fans and foes - The Shrewsbury Lantern
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02/02/2012 09:15 AM
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Shrewsbury principal position finalized - The Shrewsbury Lantern
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02/03/2012 01:35 PM
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Shrewsbury school committee to hold public hearing - The Shrewsbury Lantern
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01/29/2012 09:29 PM
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Be wary, but not afraid, of Shrewsbury coyote sightings - The Shrewsbury Lantern
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02/02/2012 11:27 AM
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Shrewsbury plans to fund 100% of police Quinn bill bonuses - The Shrewsbury Lantern
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01/30/2012 08:51 AM
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Any interested School Committee candidates out there?? - The Shrewsbury Lantern
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02/03/2012 08:58 AM
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Hudson chorus sings for your Valentines - Wicked Local
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Hudson chorus sings for your ValentinesWicked LocalA Women of Note quartet, featuring Angie Dolber of Northbridge, Rachel Smook of Shrewsbury, Lyn Weinberg of Marlborough, and Marsha Cramer of Shrewsbury, sings to children at the Bancroft School in Worcester. By Staff reports Valentine's Day is fast ...and more » |
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01/27/2012 07:24 PM
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Man Sentenced for Robbing Shrewsbury Bank - Patch.com
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02/01/2012 04:51 PM
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Shrewsbury Pop Warner registrations - The Shrewsbury Lantern
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The Shrewsbury Lantern |
Shrewsbury Pop Warner registrationsThe Shrewsbury LanternSHREWSBURY, Massachusetts – Please join us Wed., February 1st from 7-9pm at the Shrewsbury Town Hall (Room A) for our first 2012 season registration event! Shrewsbury Pop Warner is the longest running football and cheer league in our town, ... |
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02/02/2012 02:02 PM
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Budget clarification on Shrewsbury fire department staffing - The Shrewsbury Lantern
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Trulia Real Estate Search - shrewsbury
Trulia Real Estate Search - shrewsbury
Trulia Search Results
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02/03/2012 03:00 AM
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21-23 Old Faith Rd, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, $259,900 4 beds, 2 baths
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3185 sqft, 4 beds, 2 baths, single-family home in Shrewsbury, MA - 01545
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02/03/2012 03:00 AM
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163 Crescent St, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, $154,900 2 beds, 1 bath
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1250 sqft, 2 beds, 1 bath, single-family home in Shrewsbury, MA - 01545
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02/01/2012 03:00 AM
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9 Rosedale Ave, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, $299,900 3 beds, 2 baths
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1600 sqft, 3 beds, 2 baths, single-family home in Shrewsbury, MA - 01545
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02/01/2012 03:00 AM
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68 Westwood Rd, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, $525,000 4 beds, 3 baths
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2408 sqft, 4 beds, 3 baths, single-family home in Shrewsbury, MA - 01545
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02/01/2012 03:00 AM
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15 Pal Dr, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, $256,000 3 beds, 1 bath
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1448 sqft, 3 beds, 1 bath, single-family home in Shrewsbury, MA - 01545
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02/01/2012 03:00 AM
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5 Dalphen Rd, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, $179,900 3 beds, 1 bath
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968 sqft, 3 beds, 1 bath, single-family home in Shrewsbury, MA - 01545
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01/28/2012 03:00 AM
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143-145 N Quinsigamond Ave, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, $429,000 3 beds, 3 baths
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3 beds, 3 baths, property in Shrewsbury, MA - 01545
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01/28/2012 03:00 AM
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143 N Quinsigamond Ave, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, $479,900 3 beds, 4 baths
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1664 sqft, 3 beds, 4 baths, property in Shrewsbury, MA - 01545
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01/28/2012 03:00 AM
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143-145 N Quinsigamond Ave, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, $429,000 3 beds, 3 baths
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3 beds, 3 baths, property in Shrewsbury, MA - 01545
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01/28/2012 03:00 AM
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143-145 N Quinsigamond Ave, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, $499,000 3 beds, 4 baths
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1664 sqft, 3 beds, 4 baths, property in Shrewsbury, MA - 01545
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01/28/2012 03:00 AM
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143-145 N Quinsigamond Ave, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, $429,000 3 beds, 3 baths
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1350 sqft, 3 beds, 3 baths, single-family home in Shrewsbury, MA - 01545
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01/28/2012 03:00 AM
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143-145 N Quinsigamond Ave, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, $399,000 3 beds, 3 baths
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3 beds, 3 baths, property in Shrewsbury, MA - 01545
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01/27/2012 03:00 AM
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143-145 N Quinsigamond Ave, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, $829,000
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Vacant lot in Shrewsbury, MA - 01545
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01/27/2012 03:00 AM
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21 Kings Brook Ave, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, $464,900 3 beds, 3 baths
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2732 sqft, 3 beds, 3 baths, property in Shrewsbury, MA - 01545
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01/27/2012 03:00 AM
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43 Harrington Farms Way, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, $285,000 2 beds, 3 baths
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2040 sqft, 2 beds, 3 baths, condo in Shrewsbury, MA - 01545
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01/27/2012 03:00 AM
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2 Hobblebush Rd, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, $415,000 3 beds, 2.5 baths
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2062 sqft, 3 beds, 2.5 baths, single-family home in Shrewsbury, MA - 01545
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01/26/2012 03:00 AM
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2 Cedar Rd, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, $359,900 3 beds, 2.5 baths
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1700 sqft, 3 beds, 2.5 baths, single-family home in Shrewsbury, MA - 01545
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01/26/2012 03:00 AM
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8 Odonnell Ave, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, $229,900 3 beds, 1.5 baths
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1540 sqft, 3 beds, 1.5 baths, single-family home in Shrewsbury, MA - 01545
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01/26/2012 03:00 AM
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26 Worthington Ave, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, $220,000 3 beds, 2 baths
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1896 sqft, 3 beds, 2 baths, property in Shrewsbury, MA - 01545
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01/26/2012 03:00 AM
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145 Boylston Cir, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, $299,000 3 beds, 2 baths
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1714 sqft, 3 beds, 2 baths, single-family home in Shrewsbury, MA - 01545
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01/25/2012 03:00 AM
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4 Hickory Bend Rd, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, $349,000
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Vacant lot in Shrewsbury, MA - 01545
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01/25/2012 03:00 AM
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5 Hickory Bend Rd, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, $349,000
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Vacant lot in Shrewsbury, MA - 01545
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01/24/2012 03:00 AM
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1 Ashwood Cir, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, $719,000 4 beds, 2.5 baths
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3050 sqft, 4 beds, 2.5 baths, single-family home in Shrewsbury, MA - 01545
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01/21/2012 03:00 AM
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163 Crescent St, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, $154,900 2 beds, 1 bath
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1250 sqft, 2 beds, 1 bath, condo in Shrewsbury, MA - 01545
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01/19/2012 03:00 AM
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9 Adams Farm Rd #23A, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, $539,900 2 beds, 2.5 baths
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2328 sqft, 2 beds, 2.5 baths, condo in Shrewsbury, MA - 01545
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01/18/2012 03:00 AM
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265 Gulf St, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, $199,000
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Vacant lot in Shrewsbury, MA - 01545
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01/17/2012 03:00 AM
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26 Carter Rd, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, $629,900 4 beds, 3 baths
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3360 sqft, 4 beds, 3 baths, single-family home in Shrewsbury, MA - 01545
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01/16/2012 03:00 AM
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119 Boylston Cir, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, $149,900 3 beds, 1 bath
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990 sqft, 3 beds, 1 bath, single-family home in Shrewsbury, MA - 01545
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01/16/2012 03:00 AM
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103 N Quinsigamond Ave, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, $599,900 4 beds, 4 baths
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3100 sqft, 4 beds, 4 baths, single-family home in Shrewsbury, MA - 01545
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01/15/2012 03:00 AM
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565 Lake St, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, $235,000 5 beds, 2 baths
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1392 sqft, 5 beds, 2 baths, single-family home in Shrewsbury, MA - 01545
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01/14/2012 03:00 AM
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Prospect St, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, $323,000 3 beds,
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3 beds, single-family home in Shrewsbury, MA - 01545
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01/13/2012 03:00 AM
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433 Main St, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, $375,000
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Vacant lot in Shrewsbury, MA - 01545
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01/12/2012 03:00 AM
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195 Main St, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, $529,000 3 beds, 2 baths
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2187 sqft, 3 beds, 2 baths, single-family home in Shrewsbury, MA - 01545
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01/12/2012 03:00 AM
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12 Holt St, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, $539,900 4 beds, 3 baths
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3064 sqft, 4 beds, 3 baths, single-family home in Shrewsbury, MA - 01545
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01/11/2012 03:00 AM
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6 Shady Lane Ave, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, $288,000 4 beds, 2 baths
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1797 sqft, 4 beds, 2 baths, single-family home in Shrewsbury, MA - 01545
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01/10/2012 03:00 AM
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25 Hickory Dr, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, $549,000 4 beds, 2.5 baths
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2364 sqft, 4 beds, 2.5 baths, single-family home in Shrewsbury, MA - 01545
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01/10/2012 03:00 AM
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123 North St, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, $549,900 4 beds, 3 baths
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2904 sqft, 4 beds, 3 baths, single-family home in Shrewsbury, MA - 01545
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01/06/2012 03:00 AM
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42 Adams Farm Rd, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, $584,000 2 beds, 2.5 baths
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2 beds, 2.5 baths, property in Shrewsbury, MA - 01545
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01/05/2012 03:00 AM
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16 Appaloosa Dr, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, $739,900 4 beds, 2.5 baths
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2970 sqft, 4 beds, 2.5 baths, single-family home in Shrewsbury, MA - 01545
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01/05/2012 03:00 AM
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5 Birch Ln, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, $330,000 3 beds, 2 baths
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2050 sqft, 3 beds, 2 baths, single-family home in Shrewsbury, MA - 01545
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01/03/2012 03:00 AM
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23 Richard Ave, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, $279,900 4 beds, 2 baths
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1444 sqft, 4 beds, 2 baths, single-family home in Shrewsbury, MA - 01545
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12/28/2011 03:00 AM
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14 Farview Ave, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, $309,900 4 beds, 2 baths
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2076 sqft, 4 beds, 2 baths, single-family home in Shrewsbury, MA - 01545
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12/22/2011 03:00 AM
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37 Paton Rd, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, $229,000 2 beds, 1 bath
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1158 sqft, 2 beds, 1 bath, single-family home in Shrewsbury, MA - 01545
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12/22/2011 03:00 AM
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863 Main St, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, $199,900 3 beds, 2 baths
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1077 sqft, 3 beds, 2 baths, single-family home in Shrewsbury, MA - 01545
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12/20/2011 03:00 AM
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321 Spring St, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, $559,999 4 beds, 3 baths
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3552 sqft, 4 beds, 3 baths, single-family home in Shrewsbury, MA - 01545
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12/19/2011 03:00 AM
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18 Forest Hill Dr, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, $315,000 4 beds, 2.5 baths
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1714 sqft, 4 beds, 2.5 baths, single-family home in Shrewsbury, MA - 01545
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12/16/2011 03:00 AM
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6 Shady Lane Ave, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, $288,000 4 beds,
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1797 sqft, 4 beds, single-family home in Shrewsbury, MA - 01545
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12/09/2011 03:00 AM
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16 Fyrbeck Ave, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, $222,000 3 beds, 2 baths
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1344 sqft, 3 beds, 2 baths, single-family home in Shrewsbury, MA - 01545
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12/09/2011 03:00 AM
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65-67 Lear St, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, $369,000 5 beds, 2 baths
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2648 sqft, 5 beds, 2 baths, single-family home in Shrewsbury, MA - 01545
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12/09/2011 03:00 AM
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524 Grafton St, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, $575,000 3 beds, 2.5 baths
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3332 sqft, 3 beds, 2.5 baths, single-family home in Shrewsbury, MA - 01545
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shrewsbury realty - Bing News
shrewsbury realty - Bing News
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| National Association of Realtors
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from National Association of Estate Agents)
Jump to: navigation, search
This article is about a real estate trade association. For general information about real-estate brokers in the United States, see Real estate broker.
Look up realtor in
Wiktionary, the free dictionary.
National Association of Realtors building on New Jersey Ave, NW, Washington DC
The building is triangular in shape, due to the configuration of the streets which border it.
The NAR building and the U.S. Capitol in the background.The National Association of Realtors (NAR), whose members are known as Realtors (re(?)lt?r; -?tôr), is North America's largest trade association.[1] representing over 1.2 million members[2] (as reported November 2008), including NAR's institutes, societies, and councils, involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries. NAR also functions as a Self Regulatory Organization for real estate brokerage. The President of NAR for 2009 is Charles McMillan.[3]
Contents [hide]
1 Overview
2 Trademark status
3 NAR and Multiple Listing Service (MLS) systems
3.1 NAR educational requirements and recognized designations
4 Contributions to political campaigns
5 Radio
6 Other national real estate associations
7 See also
8 References
9 External links
Eight steps to selling your home
Define your needs. Write down all the reasons for selling your home. Ask yourself, "Why do I want to sell and what do I expect to accomplish with the sale?" For example, a growing family may prompt your need for a larger home, or a job opportunity in another city may necessitate a move. For your goals, write down if you'd like to sell your house within a certain time frame or make a particular profit margin. Work with your real estate agent to map out the best path to achieve your objectives and set a realistic time frame for the sale.
Name your price. Your next objective should be to determine the best possible selling price for your house. Setting a fair asking price from the outset will generate the most activity from other real estate agents and buyers. You will need to take into account the condition of your home, what comparable homes in your neighborhood are selling for, and state of the overall market in your area. It's often difficult to remain unbiased when putting a price on your home, so your real estate agent's expertise is invaluable at this step. Your agent will know what comparable homes are selling for in your neighborhood and the average time those homes are sitting on the market. If you want a truly objective opinion about the price of your home, you could have an appraisal done. This typically costs a few hundred dollars. Remember: You're always better off setting a fair market value price than setting your price too high. Studies show that homes priced higher than 3 percent of their market value take longer to sell. If your home sits on the market for too long, potential buyers may think there is something wrong with the property. Often, when this happens, the seller has to drop the price below market value to compete with newer, reasonably priced listings.
Prepare your home. Most of us don't keep our homes in "showroom" condition. We tend to overlook piles of boxes in the garage, broken porch lights, and doors or windows that stick. It's time to break out of that owner's mindset and get your house in tip-top shape. The condition of your home will affect how quickly it sells and the price the buyer is willing to offer. First impressions are the most important. Your real estate agent can help you take a fresh look at your home and suggest ways to stage it and make it more appealing to buyers. * A home with too much "personality" is harder to sell. Removing family photos, mementos and personalized décor will help buyers visualize the home as theirs. * Make minor repairs and replacements. Small defects, such as a leaky faucet, a torn screen or a worn doormat, can ruin the buyer's first impression. * Clutter is a big no-no when showing your home to potential buyers. Make sure you have removed all knick-knacks from your shelves and cleared all your bathroom and kitchen counters to make every area seem as spacious as possible.
Get the word out. Now that you're ready to sell, your real estate agent will set up a marketing strategy specifically for your home. There are many ways to get the word out, including: * The Internet * Yard signs * Open houses * Media advertising * Agent-to-agent referrals * Direct mail marketing campaigns In addition to listing your home on the MLS, your agent will use a combination of these tactics to bring the most qualified buyers to your home. Your agent should structure the marketing plan so that the first three to six weeks are the busiest.
Receive an offer. When you receive a written offer from a potential buyer, your real estate agent will first find out whether or not the individual is prequalified or preapproved to buy your home. If so, then you and your agent will review the proposed contract, taking care to understand what is required of both parties to execute the transaction. The contract, though not limited to this list, should include the following: * Legal description of the property * Offer price * Down payment * Financing arrangements * List of fees and who will pay them * Deposit amount * Inspection rights and possible repair allowances * Method of conveying the title and who will handle the closing * Appliances and furnishings that will stay with the home * Settlement date * Contingencies At this point, you have three options: accept the contract as is, accept it with changes (a counteroffer), or reject it. Remember: Once both parties have signed a written offer, the document becomes legally binding. If you have any questions or concerns, be certain to address them with your real estate agent right away.
Negotiate to sell. Most offers to purchase your home will require some negotiating to come to a win-win agreement. Your real estate agent is well versed on the intricacies of the contracts used in your area and will protect your best interest throughout the bargaining. Your agent also knows what each contract clause means, what you will net from the sale and what areas are easiest to negotiate. Some negotiable items: * Price * Financing * Closing costs * Repairs * Appliances and fixtures * Landscaping * Painting * Move-in date Once both parties have agreed on the terms of the sale, your agent will prepare a contract.
Prepare to close. Once you accept an offer to sell your house, you will need to make a list of all the things you and your buyer must do before closing. The property may need to be formally appraised, surveyed, inspected or repaired. Your real estate agent can spearhead the effort and serve as your advocate when dealing with the buyer's agent and service providers. Depending on the written contract, you may pay for all, some or none of these items. If each procedure returns acceptable results as defined by the contract, then the sale may continue. If there are problems with the home, the terms set forth in the contract will dictate your next step. You or the buyer may decide to walk away, open a new round of negotiations or proceed to closing. Important reminder: A few days before the closing, you will want to contact the entity that is closing the transaction and make sure the necessary documents will be ready to sign on the appropriate date. Also, begin to make arrangements for your upcoming move if you have not done so.
Close the deal. "Closing" refers to the meeting where ownership of the property is legally transferred to the buyer. Your agent will be present during the closing to guide you through the process and make sure everything goes as planned. By being present during the closing, he or she can mediate any last-minute issues that may arise. In some states, an attorney is required and you may wish to have one present. After the closing, you should make a "to do" list for turning the property over to the new owners. Here is a checklist to get you started. * Cancel electricity, gas, lawn care, cable and other routine services. * If the new owner is retaining any of the services, change the name on the account. * Gather owner's manuals and warranties for all conveying appliances.
How to price to sell and still make a profit
The asking price you set for your home significantly affects whether you will profit in the sale, how much you will profit and how long your home will sit on the market. Your real estate agent's knowledge of the overall market and what's selling - or not selling - will be invaluable in helping you determine the price. The objective is to find a price that the market will bear but won't leave money on the table.
Here are some points to consider: Time. Time is not on your side when it comes to real estate. Although many factors influence the outcome, perhaps time is the biggest determinant in whether or not you see a profit and how much you profit. Studies show that the longer a house stays on the market, the less likely it is to sell for the original asking price. Therefore, if your goal is to make money, think about a price that will encourage buyer activity (read: fair market value).
Value vs. Cost. Pricing your home to sell in a timely fashion requires some objectivity. It's important that you not confuse value with cost - in other words, how much you value your home versus what buyers are willing to pay for it. Don't place too much emphasis on home improvements when calculating your price, because buyers may not share your taste. For instance, not everyone wants hardwood floors or granite countertops.
Keep it simple. Because time is of the essence, make it easy for the buyers. Remain flexible on when your agent can schedule showings. Also, avoid putting contingencies on the sale. Though a desirable move-in date makes for a smoother transition between homes, it could cause you to lose the sale altogether.
Understanding the buyer
As the seller, you can control three factors that will affect the sale of your home:
* The home's condition
* Asking price
* Marketing strategy
However, it's important to note that there are numerous other factors that influence a buyer, and you need to understand these consumer trends when you enter the sellers' market. The more your home matches these qualifications, the more competitive it will be in the marketplace. Your real estate agent can advise you on how to best position and market your home to overcome any perceived downsides.
Location
Unfortunately, the most influential factor in determining your home's appeal to buyers is something you can't control: its location. According to the National Association of REALTORS(r), neighborhood quality is the No. 1 reason buyers choose certain homes. The second most influential factor is commute times to work and school.
Size
While some buyers want to simplify their lives and downsize to a smaller home, home sizes in general have continued to increase over the decades, nearly doubling in size since the 1950s. Smaller homes typically appeal to first-time home buyers and "empty nesters," or couples whose children have grown up and moved out.
Amenities
Preferences in floor plans and amenities go in and out of fashion, and your real estate agent can inform you of the "hot ticket" items that are selling homes in your market. If your home lacks certain features, you can renovate to increase its appeal, but be forewarned: That's not always the right move. Using market conditions and activity in your neighborhood as a gauge, your agent can help you determine whether the investment is likely to help or hinder your profit margin and time on the market.
Eight important questions to ask your agent
Qualifications are important. However, finding a solid, professional agent means getting beyond the resume, and into what makes an agent effective. Use the following questions as your starting point in hiring your licensed, professional real estate agent:
Why did you become a real estate agent?
Why should I work with you?
What do you do better than other real estate agents?
What process will you use to help me find the right home for my particular wants and needs?
What are the most common things that go wrong in a transaction and how would you handle them?
What are some mistakes that you think people make when buying their first home?
What other professionals do you suggest we work with and what are their credentials?
Can you provide me with references or testimonials from past clients?
Eight steps to buying your home
1. Decide to buy.
Although there are many good reasons for you to buy a home, wealth building ranks among the top of the list. We call home ownership the best “accidental investment” most people ever make. But, we believe when it is done right, home ownership becomes an “intentional investment” that lays the foundation for a life of financial security and personal choice. There are solid financial reasons to support your decision to buy a home, and, among these, equity buildup, value appreciation, and tax benefits stand out.
Base your decision to buy on facts, not fears.
If you are paying rent, you very likely can afford to buy
There is never a wrong time to buy the right home. All you need to do in the short run is find a good buy and make sure you have the financial ability to hold it for the long run
The lack of a substantial down payment doesn’t prevent you from making your first home purchase
A less-than-perfect credit score won’t necessarily stop you from buying a home
The best way to get closer to buying your ultimate dream home is to buy your first home now
Buying a home doesn’t have to be complicated – there are many professionals who will help you along the way
2. Hire your agent.
The typical real estate transaction involves at least two dozen separate individuals – insurance assessors, mortgage brokers and underwriters, inspectors, appraisers, escrow officers, buyer’s agents, seller’s agents, bankers, title researchers, and a number of other individuals whose actions and decisions have to be orchestrated in order to perform in harmony and get a home sale closed. It is the responsibility of your real estate agent to expertly coordinate all the professionals involved in your home purchase and to act as the advocate for you and your interests throughout.
Seven main roles of your real estate agent
A Buyer’s Real Estate Agent:
Educates you about your market.
Analyzes your wants and needs.
Guides you to homes that fit your criteria.
Coordinates the work of other needed professionals.
Negotiates on your behalf.
Checks and double-checks paperwork and deadlines.
Solves any problems that may arise.
Eight important questions to ask your agent
Qualifications are important. However, finding a solid, professional agent means getting beyond the resume, and into what makes an agent effective. Use the following questions as your starting point in hiring your licensed, professional real estate agent:
Why did you become a real estate agent?
Why should I work with you?
What do you do better than other real estate agents?
What process will you use to help me find the right home for my particular wants and needs?
What are the most common things that go wrong in a transaction and how would you handle them?
What are some mistakes that you think people make when buying their first home?
What other professionals do you suggest we work with and what are their credentials?
Can you provide me with references or testimonials from past clients?
3. Secure financing.
While you may find the thought of home ownership thrilling, the thought of taking on a mortgage may be downright chilling. Many first-time buyers start out confused about the process or nervous about making such a large financial commitment.
From start to finish, you will follow a six-step, easy-to-understand process to securing the financing for your first home.
Six steps to Financing a Home
Choose a loan officer (or mortgage specialist).
Make a loan application and get preapproved.
Determine what you want to pay and select a loan option.
Submit to the lender an accepted purchase offer contract.
Get an appraisal and title commitment.
Obtain funding at closing.
4. Find your home.
You may think that shopping for homes starts with jumping in the car and driving all over town. And it’s true that hopping in the car to go look is probably the most exciting part of the home-buying process. However, driving around is fun for only so long – if weeks go by without finding what you’re looking for, the fun can fade pretty fast. That’s why we say that looking for your home begins with carefully assessing your values, wants, and needs, both for the short and long terms.
Questions to ask yourself
What do I want my home to be close to?
How much space do I need and why?
Which is more critical: location or size?
Would I be interested in a fixer-upper?
How important is home value appreciation?
Is neighborhood stability and priority?
Would I be interested in a condo?
Would I be interested in new home construction?
What features and amenities do I wasn’t? Which do I really need?
5. Make an offer.
When searching for your dream home, you were just that – a dreamer. Now that you’re writing an offer, you need to be a businessperson. You need to approach this process with a cool head and a realistic perspective o your market. The three basic components of an offer are price, terms, and contingencies (or “conditions” in Canada).
Price – the right price to offer must fairly reflect the true market value o fthe home you want to buy. Your agent’s market research will guide this decision.
Terms – the other financial and timing factors that will be included in the offer.
Terms fall under six basic categories in a real estate offer:
Schedule – a schedule of events that has to happen before closing.
Conveyances – the items that stay with the house when the sellers leave.
Commission – the real estate commission or fee, for both the agent who works with the seller and the agents who works with the buyer.
Closing costs – it’s standard for buyers to pay their closing costs, but if you want to roll the costs into the loan, you need to write that into the contract.
Home warranty – this covers repairs or replacement of appliances and major systems. You may ask the seller to pay for this.
Earnest money – this protects the sellers from the possibility of your unexpectedly pulling of the deal and makes a statement about the seriousness of your offer.
6. Perform due diligence.
Unlike most major purchases, once you buy a home, you can’t return it if something breaks or doesn’t quite work like it’s supposed to. That’s why home owner’s insurance and property inspections are so important.
A home owner’s insurance policy protects you in two ways:
Against loss or damage to the property itself
liability in case someone sustains an injury while on your property
The property inspection show expose the secret issues a home might hide so you know exactly what you’re getting into before you sign your closing papers.
Your major concern is structural damage.
Don’t sweat the small stuff. Things that are easily fixed can be overlooked.
If you have a big problem show up in your inspection report, you should bring in a specialist. If the worst-case scenario turns out to be true, you might want to walk away from the purchase.
7. Close.
The final stage of the home buying process is the lender’s confirmation of the home’s value and legal statue, and your continued credit-worthiness. This entails a survey, appraisal, title search, and a final check of your credit and finance. Your agent will keep you posted on how each if progressing, but your work is pretty much done.
You just have a few preclosing responsibilities:
Stay in control of your finances.
Return all phone calls and paperwork promptly.
Communicate with your agent at least once a week.
Several days before closing, confirm with your agent that all your documentation is in place and in order.
Obtain certified funds for closing.
Conduct a final walk-through.
On closing day, with the guidance of a settlement agent and your agent, you’ll sign documents that do the following:
Finalize your mortgage.
Pay the seller.
Pay your closing costs.
Transfer the title from the seller to you.
Make arrangements to legally record the transaction as a public record.
As long as you have clear expectations and follow directions, closing should be a momentous conclusion to your home-searching process and commencement of your home-owning experience.
8. Protect your investment.
Throughout the course of your home-buying experience, you’ve probably spent a lot of time with your real estate agent and you’ve gotten to know each other fairly well. There’s no reason to throw all that trust and rapport out the window just because the deal has closed. In fact, your agent wants you to keep in touch.
Even after you close on your house, you agent can still help you:
Handle your first tax return as a home owner.
Find contractors to help with home maintenance or remodeling.
Help your friends find homes.
Keep track of your home’s current market value.
Attention to you home’s maintenance needs is essential to protecting the long-term value of your investment.
Home maintenance falls into two categories:
Keeping it clean: Perform routine maintenance on your home’s systems, depending on their age and style.
Keeping an eye on it: Watch for signs of leaks, damage, and wear. Fixing small problems early can save you big money later.
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