Saving money for a down payment on a home is no easy feat, which is why I started looking into various ways to make sure that I had things sorted out like I should. I began working with a real estate agent to chat about what to do and how to start saving, and they explained how much I needed if I wanted to avoid private mortgage insurance, and when the market typically trended upwards. It was really neat for me to see everything I could do with the advice, and saving became easier after I had a clear goal. Find out more about real estate by reading this blog.
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How To Turn Your Open House Tour Into A Deeper Experience
Cathy Frazier
Without a doubt, the most fun part of searching for residential homes for sale is the open house events where you get to peek inside homes you might or might not be interested in purchasing. While it's easy to take these weekend events casually, you may want to use that time to enhance your home-searching efforts. You never know; even homes that seem out of your league could turn out to be yours for the taking.
Know Your Price Range – You don't need to confine your open house adventures to only affordable homes. Sometimes looking at homes above and below your price range offers you valuable info and helps you spot a true bargain when you come across it. You should, however, take the time to get pre-approved by a lender so that you can take things to the next level when you do find the perfect home.
Dialogue About Your Wishes – If you are searching for a home with a partner, open houses are the perfect opportunity to discuss important aspects of your future home with each other. Otherwise, you might only find out later that your spouse wants a soaking tub or that your partner had no idea how much you disliked wood paneling and carpet.
Know Your Open House Etiquette – No one will judge you, but knowing about how things are done can make you a more relaxed viewer. Firstly, there is no need to phone anyone before you show up at an open house. Just observe the hours and the directions and walk right in. If you like what you see and don't already have a real estate agent assisting you, ask for the card of the agent on duty.
If you really like what you see, make an appointment to take another look at the home later in the week when you can count on personalized attention from the listing agent. Lastly, if the home seems particularly perfect and you are dealing with a hot market, don't hesitate to strike before the general public is invited in. Phone the agent and ask to see the house before the open house is scheduled. That gives you priority viewing and an opportunity to get an offer in before other buyers swarm.
Come Armed With Tech – Make use of that smartphone and take multiple shots of the home and perhaps even take your phone on a video tour. As you record, be sure to verbalize what you are seeing, noting issues or questions to ask the agent and what features really stand out for you. This method will prove to be especially effective when you end up seeing too many homes in one day and need to recall information later on.
To find out more about making the most of your open house event, speak to a real estate agent.
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