Springing Into New Ways Of Thinking For Homeowners - February 2011

By: Crissy Knibbe

Springin' into new ways of thinking for buyers! We all know that buying a home is one of the most stressful things you can do in your lifetime, but it shouldn't be. With the right knowledge and the right people helping you, it should be a fun, exciting and rewarding experience.

    Have you ever wondered: "what kind of home do I see myself living in for the next 3-5 years?" Well, before you start shopping for one, ask yourself that question. All of us, at one time or another, have succumbed to the guilty pleasure of impulse buying. That goes for buying major purchases as well, whether it was a car, a boat, a four wheeler or a 72" flat screen plasma TV. We all have that urge to want something new. Homes are no exception. When you do impulse buy, most of the time, you get buyer's remorse. With the way the mortgage industry is these days, you have to be absolutely, positively, without a doubt certain of your selection or you could wind up with regrets and stuck in a home you don't like for the next few years.    

    Here are some basic tips you should follow when you are ready to start looking for your new home.
    First, always, always, always make sure it is within your price range. That means you need to go talk to a mortgage lender and find out what you are approved for. Too many people start by looking at homes before they know their price range and fall in love with a home that is above their means and get disappointed when they can't afford it.
    Second, make sure that you buy YOUR home. Sounds simple, but a lot of buyers end up with buyer's remorse because they didn't get the home they needed. How much space do you really need? Too small and you may feel like you live in constant clutter. Too big and maintenance may become too daunting. Outline all of your priorities, and work on finding not just a great home, but a great home for you.
    Finally, and the most important thing to do before your search for your home, is to find a great Realtor®. Realtors are the best resource for helping you get started on your way to new home ownership. Realtors will refer you to competent individuals who can provide financing, title work, legal representation, home inspections, appraisal services, homeowners insurance, and more. They are knowledgeable in the real estate laws, mortgage rates, will help you with buyers due diligence (ask me what this is), making sure you don't pay more than what a home is worth and most of all, they are there for you through all the emotional stress you may have during the home buying process. (At least, the caring ones are.)
    Just remember, owning a home gives you a tax break year after year after year. I know you hear Realtors tell you that "now" is always the best time to buy, but it really is. With the prices of homes stable and low interest rates, it is the perfect time to make a great investment. Not only do you get tax breaks, but you get more "bang for your buck" or more home for your dollar. I foresee prices to gradually go up again which will, in turn, drive interest rates back up too.

    So, with all that in mind, I want to help you put the FUN, EXCITEMENT and the REWARDS back into buying a home!

    With spring right around the corner, let's get started in the right direction of finding a great home for you. If you want information on foreclosures, short sales, mortgage rates, how and what you need to qualify for a home loan or if you have already been prequalified by a lender and would like to go look at homes, call me. If you are ready to take the plunge and make a smart, informed choice on a home, there are many financing options still available. Just ask me about them and I will point you in the right direction. If you don't know if you will qualify, call me and I'll help you.

    

If you or someone you know are in danger of losing your home and you don't know where to turn, please call me. I can help you. I take buying and selling real estate seriously and so should you. I am driven to provide the best possible care and service to all my clients, old and new. I am caring, creative and committed to provide the best real estate experience you could have