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Posts tagged Buying Tips

Avoiding (Home) Buyer’s Remorse

Mar16
2010
Leave a Comment Written by Carrie

You’ve found the perfect home, or so you think.

Imagine searching endlessly for that one place where you feel warm and comfortable. After weeks, months, years even, you fall in love with a beautiful house and sign your name on the dotted line. However, a few months go by and you’re feeling empty and unsure of your decision. You’re feeling home buyer’s remorse.

Buying a home is a big commitment. In many cases, it is a lifelong commitment. And just as you would with any life-changing decision, when it comes to buying real estate, you need to weigh the pros and cons and consider all of your wants and needs before agreeing to any contracts. Otherwise, you may find yourself stuck in a house you don’t even like.

You may be thinking, “Where do I begin?” Whether you are thinking of buying a condo, a townhome or a single-family home, we’re here to get you started with two easy-to-follow checklists:

  • Home Buying Checklist: Condo/Townhome
  • Home Buying Checklist: Single-Family Home

Feel free to customize them to your own personality, adding or subtracting anything you may or may not need. Buying a home should not be a rash decision. Take your time, do your research and figure out what you truly want before you make any commitments.

Once you’ve found the home of your dreams, there are a few extra measures you should take to ensure you won’t regret your decision:

Be absolutely sure you can afford it. Do you have enough for a down payment? Have you been pre-approved for a loan? Does your monthly payment fit into your budget? Answer all these questions before making an offer. Analyze your financial situation carefully so you know what you can and cannot afford.

Ask questions during closing. After you’ve had a home inspection, if any problems arise, ask the seller the necessary questions before closing the deal. Will they make any repairs? Will they give you an allowance to fix things yourself? If you’re unsure about anything, speak up before you finalize the purchase.

Stand by your choice. Just because someone else has an opinion on the selling price, the location or the current condition of your home, it doesn’t mean they are right. Perhaps they don’t know the market of the neighborhood you’re in, and maybe they live in an area where houses cost less (or more).

Don’t look at other houses. Once you’ve purchased your dream home, stop looking. You may come across another property that you like a lot more, but you will have already made a commitment to your current property. Be happy with your choice and embrace your new home.

Posted in Tips and Ideas - Tagged avoiding home buyer's remorse, checklist, closing costs, condo, contract, home inspection, single-family home, townhome
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Notice Sellers’ Initiatives

Feb16
2010
Leave a Comment Written by Alicia

88633118
Shopping for a home? Here’s a tip on spotting motivated sellers:

A seller that goes beyond the limits is probably a seller that is anxious to move, willing to negotiate with you and probably able to make the buying process as easy as possible.

So what should you look for?

Recent tips we have shared with sellers included how to improve curb appeal, how to stage an unfinished basement, what repairs to make before selling so that the house is move-in-ready for buyers, how to stage the spare bedrooms so everyone living in the home enjoys their personal space and how to add green innovations for cost savings and eco-friendly living.

This is just some of the advice that we’ve shared with home sellers, in order to make the buying process easier for you, and to improve the home you buy! It’s all for you! So what can you do? Keep your eyes open and read Buy Owner’s regularly updated Selling Tips, even if you are buying for the first time and don’t have your own to house to sell. This way, you’ll know who is upping their game and marketing to sell and who isn’t.

Posted in Tips and Ideas - Tagged how to buy a home, motivated sellers, sellers initiatives
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Featured City: Marietta, GA

Jan20
2010
Leave a Comment Written by Carrie

marietta

Situated in Cobb County, the town of Marietta, GA is an easy 30-minute drive from downtown Atlanta. The city is rich in history, as it is the sight of the Western and Atlantic Railroad, the Georgia Military Institute and historic buildings from the Civil War.

Like most towns constructed in the early 1800s, the heart of Marietta features a town square, which is where you’ll often see different events (like Theatre in the Square) taking place all year long. Other must-see landmarks include the colorful Glover Park and the historic Cobb County Courthouse.

As the pride and joy of Marietta, the Gone With the Wind Museum is one the best points of interests in town! Also called “Scarlett on the Square,” this beautiful brick building houses an extensive collection of memorabilia related to the book and the film.

When you’re looking for a neighborhood that boasts true Southern hospitality, you’ll want to hit up the Georgian suburb of Marietta.

Take a look at these Buy Owner properties currently for sale!

  • $419K: 4 BRS/4 BATH/Cedar Cove
  • $349K: 3 BRS/2.5 BATHS/Keswyck Commons
  • $327K: 4 BRS/3 BATHS/Charlton Forge
  • $295K: 4 BRS/3 BATHS/Cedar Cliffs
  • $222,500: 3 BRS/3 BATHS/Churchill Falls
  • $172K: 3 BRS/2 BATHS/Jamerson Forest

Or head over to BuyOwner.com now to check out other available listings!

Image: terra2055

Posted in Tips and Ideas - Tagged Civil War, Cobb County Courthouse, featured city, GA, georgia, Georige Military Institute, Glover Park, Gone With The Wind, Marietta, Museum, Theatre in the Square, Western and Atlantic Railroad
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Staying Calm When Faced With Obstacles

Dec22
2009
Leave a Comment Written by Carrie

keys

Buying a home is not always a smooth process. Many first-time buyers encounter obstacles, and it is not unusual that some of them don’t get everything they want the first time around. All you have to do to avoid negative feelings is prepare for the worst, which might not even be that bad after all.

Repairs

The house may need repairs. Before you worry that the property will become your new money pit, take a deep breath and see what the seller has to offer. Perhaps the seller will offer some sort of incentive: reducing the sale price, giving a repair allowance or even fixing the repairs if you push back your closing date. Don’t automatically assume that the seller doesn’t care about you (or the house) just because it needs a little fix here and there.

Updates

Say you’ve walked into a time warp. You see shag carpeting, linoleum flooring, tacky wallpaper and an interesting (to put it politely) color scheme. Before you start blubbering about changing every inch of the place, find out if the seller is offering a decorating allowance for new carpet, new flooring or new paint. Even if you’re left to fend for yourself, remember that these are easy changes. You’re not gutting out cabinetry and countertops. You are simply changing the aesthetic of your place.

Unwanted furniture

Sometimes, a seller will offer his/her property partially or completely furnished. If you already have everything you need, don’t worry about getting rid of the furniture that already exists in the home. If the seller won’t take anything with when he/she leaves, just think positive. Hold a yard sale, visit consignment/antique stores, or ask family and friends if they can take some of it off your hands. You could end up making some money by selling the unwanted furniture.

There are plenty of obstacles you can run into when looking for your first place. Just remember to stay positive and work with what you have.

Posted in Tips and Ideas - Tagged real estate market
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Remodel or Move?

Nov09
2009
Leave a Comment Written by Alicia

House

If you are currently in the need for more living space or you are tired of your outdated home, it’s a tough decision to know if you should spend the money to remodel, or if you should altogether move to a new house and location. If you are dealing with this tough decision, here are some factors to take into account:

• What changes do you need and what changed do you want? Make two separate lists, first the “changes needed” list, and research how much these changes will cost in renovation. If you still have savings left after considering these costs, move onto the “changes wanted” list.

• If you cannot figure out a way to renovate your home to make these changes possible, or if the cost is much higher than you expected, consider moving. Though the cost of moving is substantial, you also receive a revenue from selling your house. With a renovation, it’s money out of your pocket now, and no return investment, although a renovation might help increase the sale of your home in the future.

• How much do you enjoy your location? If you need a larger home, but you absolutely love your neighbors, your children’s schools or your quick commute to work, you might want to add onto your existing home. Don’t give up everything you love for the sake of extra space.

• According to an article from bobvila.com, many houses provide the space that is needed, but are just configured incorrectly. Walk through each room and consider how you could rearrange furniture or purchase new furniture in order to utilize the room better. For an improved judgment, ask an outside family member or friend.

• With remodeling or add-ons, once you receive a cost estimate from construction firms, contact a lender if you will need a loan. Will you want to move in the near future? Taking out a loan now might postpone future move plans if you have too many loan payments at once.

All in all, here are the considerations that it should come down to:

• Remodeling considerations: How much of your personal time will need to go into this project? How long will the whole process take? Is the weather suitable enough for this project to be completed in a timely manner? Will the noise of construction and inopportune walls being knocked down distract you from your work done at home? Do you have space to add onto your home, and will you mind space from your yard disappearing? Will you need extra air conditioners, water heaters, etc. to fill the added space? Will the upgrade add to the value of your house? When it’s all said and done, is the outcome worth the price and time?

• Moving considerations: Would a new layout benefit you more than the one you have? Could you still commute to work from a new location? Are there good schools, convenience stores, etc. in the new area? Is the price doable? Can you afford the higher taxes that go with a larger home? Is your house in a condition to sell? Is your credit in well enough condition to receive a loan? Is every family member on the same page with moving? Do you have the time that goes into cleaning up the home, decluttering, hosting open houses, packing up and unpacking somewhere new?

If you’re still torn, consult with a construction firm to find out a cost estimate for remodeling. Then, figure out the market value of your home and what type of new house you could afford, and visit www.BuyOwner.com to shop around, and attend open houses. It might be easier to start with a new layout, and plan your new extra space accordingly. Though it’s a hard and complicated decision to make initially, no matter which choice you make, the end result should suit your needs perfectly.

Posted in Selling Tips, Tips and Ideas - Tagged home ownership, remodeling
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Featured City: Clearwater, FL

Oct21
2009
Leave a Comment Written by Shanna

clearwater

As part of a special feature at the Buy Owner Blog, we’ll be highlighting cities throughout the nation, profiling their attractions and conveniences, as well as pointing out some currently for-sale homes in the area!

Today’s city: Clearwater, Florida!

A paradise peninsula on Florida’s west coast, Clearwater is more than a top vacation getaway with award-winning beaches; it’s a wonderful place to call home! White sandy shores stretch for 35 miles along the Gulf of Mexico. Fantastic sporting and recreational activities abound, and you can enjoy fresh seafood and great shopping all around you!

Play a few rounds of golf at local courses. Go for a boat ride on the ocean. Explore the cultural attractions of nearby Tarpon Springs or Dunedin. This thriving area is only 30 minutes from Busch Gardens in Tampa and 90 minutes from Orlando theme parks like Disney, Sea World and Universal Studios.

If you’re looking for Florida luxury amongst a collection of distinct and charming neighborhoods, Clearwater is the place for you!

Take a look at these Buy Owner properties currently for sale!

  • $779K: 2 BR, 2 BA Beachfront Condo
  • $589K: 5 BR, 4 BA Lakefront SFH
  • $420K: 3 BR, 2.5 BA Condo
  • $225K: 2 BR, 2.5 BA Townhome

Image Credit: Barefoot in Florida

Posted in Regional Info - Tagged beach, clearwater, florida, profiled communities
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Buying a Waterfront Property

May12
2009
Leave a Comment Written by Carrie

waterfront

Many people purchase a waterfront property as second home, a vacation home. However, during these tough economic times, some might not be able to afford such a luxury expense. If you are one of these people, and you are mulling over the decision to make a waterfront home your primary residence, there are many factors to consider before doing so.

Why do I want to own a waterfront property?
Is it for the view, for the activities or both? If you want to live near more urban conveniences, you choose a property on a riverbank or a canal. If you would like more rural surroundings, an oceanfront home is a good fit for you!

What do I want to do?
If you would like to go fishing, boating and swimming, make sure the water on your property will accommodate your needs. You should also research local, state and federal laws that may affect your plans.

How is the water?
An important thing to remember is that, unlike your landscaping, the water on your property cannot be altered. If you are an avid swimmer, make sure your shoreline and the lake bottom/ocean floor is sandy, not mucky. If you plan on fishing, research the native fish that live within your body of water.

What happens if there is a hurricane?
Keep in mind that flood and hurricane insurance is generally sold separately from home owner’s insurance. FloodSmart.gov boasts a ton of useful information to help you select the right combination of insurance policies for your waterfront home.

When it comes to owning a waterfront property, there is a lot more to it than enjoying a breathtaking view or swimming on your own private beach. Carefully consider the location of your home, all rules and regulations concerning the water and the possibility of enduring severe weather.

Posted in Tips and Ideas - Tagged Add new tag, buying a home, home ownership, lakefront real estate, real estate tips, waterfront property, waterfront real estate
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About the BuyOwner.com Blog

Welcome to the BuyOwner.com Blog, your source for regularly updated market information!

Founded in 1984, BuyOwner.com® is the leading provider of real estate marketing services. We pioneered the "For Sale by Owner" (FSBO) market, which today represents over 20 percent of all residential real estate transactions.

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