Buying your first piece of real estate can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Whether you're looking for a new home for yourself or an investment property, it's important to be well-informed and prepared for the process. Oakstrand Realty is here to provide you with helpful tips to make sure your first real estate purchase is a success!
To find the best realtor for your needs, look for a specialist in the area you're searching for homes. Make sure to ask how many homes they have helped clients buy or sell in the area in the past year. A specialist will have a wide range of knowledge about the available listings and can provide you with advice on homes, schools, shopping, and other community related things.
Don't rush into a purchase. Take at least 24 hours before making an offer on a home to ensure that you're making the right decision. If you're buying a home on an island, make sure to research flooding issues. Some areas on islands are extremely flood prone and can flood whenever it rains. This is important information if you plan to live there year-round.
If you find a motivated seller, you may be able to get them to work with you to pay the closing costs. This process is called seller concessions or contributions and can save you upwards of nine percent of the cost of the home.
When looking at potential homes, don't focus too much on the decor. Things like paint colors can be changed after you buy the property, so don't let that stop you from making a purchase. It's also a good idea to hire a professional home inspector to conduct a standard inspection on the home before you finalize your offer. This can help you avoid costly home buying mistakes.
By following these tips, your first real estate purchase can be a smooth and successful process. If you need any additional assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to Oakstrand Realty for help!