Home Buying Tips

I know that buying a home can be stressful at times. I also understand the importance of such an investment, both personally and financially, and will assist you every step of the way. From the initial visit to the closing. I can show you any home on the market and work with you on the purchase, even if it’s listed with another real estate agency.

You can start your home search here,

https://russell-hayek.weichert.com/

Russ is sharing his 22 years of experience to help new home buyers understand the complexities of the home buying process. This General Home Buying Guide will help you and give you some ideas, keep in mind no two house sales are the same. While having these steps is a helpful guideline, each buyer needs to discuss their particular house purchase with their agent, attorney and bank. The progress may be faster or slower depending on a number of factors. While it is tempting to compare progress with friends, and family members, their home purchase will not be the same as yours. Any questions just ask Russ

                       You Decided To Buy A House:

Now that you finally decided to buy a house (to make your home) the very first thing to do is talk to a bank about a mortgage and ask questions, about what you can afford, down payment, get that pre-approval, know your credit score, and different types of mortgages and understand all the fees associated with buying a home. Start looking for a real estate attorney and check with your insurance company, and don't forget ask QUESTIONS. It’s easy to buy that big house with two incomes. You should try a pre-approval with one income, cause if something should happen to one income like losing a job having children or injury or sickness you will still be able to make mortgage payments etc. Base everything on one income if you can. Stay in your financial comfort zone.

You Know What Town/Neighborhood You Want To Live In:

You know what town/neighborhood you want to live in, now just google, the area/town, schools, shopping. Ask the neighbors questions about the area and town, type of industry. And crime reports. Check the epa website on toxic waste sites, and check with the water department about water quality and lead. Check train, bus and ferry hubs, then drive around the town at rush hour, weekends day and night. Check out shopping centers, drive to and after where you work (yes on a work day). And understand market trends for resale value for the neighborhood, You must do your research. 

                         What Kind Of Home Do I Want?

What kind of home do I want? Do i want a ranch, cape cod, split, custom, condo/townhouse, new construction or existing. Make a home buying wish list for needs, wants and wishes. Keep in mind what you can afford. Try to base everything on one income. Stay in your financial comfort zone.

            House Hunting, Now Comes The Fun Part:

House hunting, Now comes the fun part. You have everything in place and know what you want, bring a notebook, pen, flashlight, and your smartphone to take some pictures Once you find the house do more research just google the address and, ask questions, why is the seller selling, is the house in a flood zone. While you are outside look around at the other houses, the condition of the house you are looking at roof, landscaping, widows, deck etc. Then take it inside as you are walking through the house look at the floors, walls, when was kitchen and bath updated, smell something funny, pets, check out the basement, take some photos of the appliances, refrigerator, washer dryer, dish washer, write down model and numbers. Take notes (you will need to talk to your home inspector about the notes you take), keep an open mind, you will fix up the house to make it your home,

                                   Now Comes The Offer:

Now is the time to talk things over with your agent, your attorney and bank. Discuss the offer amount, its condition, understand the offer and negotiation process and understand contingencies and warranties. When signing the contract make sure you understand what rights you have, and have consulted your realtor and attorney. If you make a deposit on the home understand how much if any of it is refundable if you cancel the contract. 

                                    Inspection Time:

Inspection time. HIRE A LICENSED TOP-NOTCH HOME INSPECTOR. An inspector will evaluate the structure, construction, and mechanical systems of your would be home and, if anything is amiss, give you an idea what it will cost to fix. Pick an inspector of your own or check with your friends that had an inspection done on their home to guarantee objectivity. Check the credentials, background, and experience of any prospective inspector, check prices and what they inspect, And yet, some home inspectors don't check other conditions such as that require laboratory samples or equipment are the stuff of specialty inspections which cost extra or must be conducted by other specialists. Here are some very important inspections that you MUST have done, a in ground oil tank sweep, radon test, termites/pest, have your drinking water checked, sewer line inspection, lead paint, asbestos, mold, chimney, pool/spa, water plumbing, electrical, well inspection, septic system, abandoned septic system, roof, foundation, lot survey with markers, and HVAC system. The sellers are required to disclose any known problems with a home to potential buyers. Never pass on a home inspection just to make the deal. 

 

                  Your Almost A Homeowner Now:

Your almost a homeowner now, as long as there are no major issues with the inspections. Your bank, attorney, title co., and realtor are doing their work, but if there are some issues you might have to re-negotiate your offer or cancel a contract based on what is discovered in the home inspection or mortgage appraisal. 

As a buyer you still have more to do, this all depends on your closing date. You have to touch bases with with your insurance co., change of address post office, credit card companies, water co., gas co., electric co., check with the town, cable co., phone co., garbage pick up, schools, driver license, registration, and oh how can i forget amazon delivery.

                                           Walk throughs:

Walk throughs I recommend that the buyers make 3 walkthroughs,

I recommend that the buyers make 3 walkthroughs,

1st. 2 weeks before closing to check on inspection issues and the repairs that were made. Just do a quick walk through, take some notes and photos etc, click here MORE INFO ON WALK THROUGHS

2nd. Walk through 1 week before the closing. Just a general walk around, checking for damage and upkeep of the house and landscaping. This allows the sellers and you some time to work out any problems.

3rd. Do the final walk through 2/3 hours before the closing, day of closing, making sure no damage by vandals, water leaks etc, owner manuals, garage door openers, etc., any problems take photos/videos call your attorney before you leave the house.

Click here MORE INFO ON THE FINAL WALK THROUGH

 

                                  Talk To Your Attorney:

Talk to your attorney a few days before your closing about location of closing and time, a list of what to bring to the closing, that the title search was completed on my home and have obtained title insurance, I have obtained homeowner’s insurance and have proof of coverage to bring to the closing. (you are almost a homeowner)

                                            The Final Step:

The Final Step, The closing if everything goes as plan, you are now a homeowner, Congratulations.

                                          NOW WHAT?

Just a Note:

Be mentally prepared to walk away, be ready for rejection and be prepared to tough it out and walk away if necessary.

Tip: If you are attempting to buy a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) without a buyer's agent, I suggest you hire a real estate attorney before proceeding!