Buying a home is an exciting and complex adventure. It can also be a very time-consuming and costly one if you're not familiar with all aspects of the process, and don't have all the best information and resources at hand.
One of my specialties is representing the best interests of CAPE MAY area buyers throughout the home buying process. My comprehensive, high-quality services can save you time and money, as well as make the experience more enjoyable and less stressful.
If you're like most people, buying a home is the biggest investment you will ever make. So whether you're buying a starter home, your dream home or an investment property, why not take advantage of my experience as a local market expert for CAPE MAY to make the most informed decisions you can, every step of the way?
"Doing your research upfront can help you make a wise decision and choose a well-qualified real estate agent who's right for your needs, "Remember that you're creating a business relationship. It's important that you work well together, as it could be several months before the entire buying or selling process is complete. Enjoy a cup a coffee with a few agents before you make the decision on which partner is right for you."
There also are specific questions you should be asking your agent, such as:
How often will you send me listings? Will you show me homes when I'm available (e.g., after work or on the weekends)? How long have you worked in real estate? What type of property do you specialize in (e.g., condos, single-family, or town homes)? Have you worked with other clients in my desired area and price range? Most first-time home-buyers concentrate on the down payment — the largest of all the out-of-pocket expenses — but there are plenty of other fees required for a property purchase that you should be aware of before starting the process. "Budget for down payment, closing costs, and other costs as early as possible," Lee advises. "In addition to the 20 percent down payment (some lenders require less), origination fees are usually between 2 and 5 percent of the total loan amount, and it is crucial that you start saving early on, so you have enough cash to cover all mortgage-related payments, legal fees, as well as broker's commission by the time you are ready to close the deal. "Don't forget about the often-overlooked hidden costs that'll pop up before you know it, like property taxes, insurance premiums, and any Homeowners Association (HOA) dues. Taxes and HOA dues vary, so be sure to ask for details. Obtain an insurance premium estimate from your insurance agent. It's important to figure all this out before committing to a property to ensure you can afford the entire scope of fees associated with its value. On the other hand, some folks find the HOA to be too involved, and the decisions of the board may not always be best for everyone.
Ask for reductions after inspection one of my own personal tactics for saving money on the homes I've purchased is taking advantage of an inspection that reveals interior or exterior issues. If the seller is in a depressed market or needs to sell quickly because of other circumstances, you have a great chance of making post-inspection deals. Home sellers often describe their property's condition as much better than it is. A good inspection often reveals unanticipated defects, "Don't be afraid to ask for a reduction. Buyers sometimes hesitate to request a lower price due to fear of losing the house.
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