Buying a home is a major life event, and it's important to be sure that you're making a wise investment. Oakstrand Realty is here to help you become an educated buyer and purchase a home with confidence. Here are some tips to help you get started.
Before you make an offer on a home, it's important to research any natural disasters that have occurred in the area. Check if the property lies near a fault or a flood zone, if wildfires are prevalent in the area, or if the area is known for tornado activity. Understanding the local climate and geography can help you make an informed decision and save you money in the long run.
Older homes are often a great value. In many areas, the pricing for the size home is lower than newly built homes, and you can still save thousands of dollars if you need to make repairs or updates. Don't be afraid to make a large purchase if you've done your research - it could be an extremely lucrative opportunity.
When you're working with a mortgage lender, make sure that all conversations are documented by email. This will provide back up in case they want to change the rate or terms at a later date. Additionally, it's important to save money on your financing by having all of the pertinent information ready, such as employment history, credit history, and outstanding debts.
It's also important to plan for unexpected costs when purchasing a home. Closing costs are usually calculated by adding the prorated taxes, bank points, and down payment, but there can be additional costs at closing. These may include property taxes and assessments.
Finally, it's a good idea to visit the home more than once. This will give you a better sense of the neighborhood, and you can get a better understanding of the area depending on what day of the week it is. Try to do one visit on the weekend and another on a weekday.
At Oakstrand Realty, we want to make sure our customers have all the information they need to make informed decisions when it comes to buying a home. We hope these tips have given you the confidence to begin your real estate journey.