Whether you’re a first time buyer or a regular investor, buying real estate can seem like an intimidating commitment. Your REALTOR should be able to walk you through the process and advise you so that you feel knowledgeable enough to make educated decisions. Here are some quick tips to get started:
- Educate yourself. Ask family and friends about their experiences buying real estate. *Remember, real estate law and market conditions are constantly changing, so real estate transactions can vary drastically from each other.
- Find out How Much You Can Afford. Getting pre-approved does not only narrow the search, but it also gives you an idea of your monthly payments, interest rates, mortgage terms etc. Most importantly, being pre-approved allows you to move quickly when you find the perfect home. Ask Marites for a list of recommended mortgage consultants.
- Making an Offer. An offer should be based on fair market value, not just on the asking price. Before making an offer, Marites can prepare a market evaluation to ensure you don’t overpay for a home. At your initial information meeting with Marites, she will provide copies of contracts that may show up during the buying process so that you can take the contracts home and familiarize yourself with them. Remember, an offer has several terms and conditions other than price. As your buyer’s agent, Marites has your best interest in mind and is committed to preparing offers with legal clauses that protect you as a buyer.
- Home Inspection. Before buying a used car, wouldn’t you take it to a professional mechanic for an inspection? Marites recommends home inspections as a way to learn about your investment and reduce the risk of discovering hidden surprises after you’ve bought the home. She also has brochures of recommended home inspectors for you to browse through.
- Your team. Marites Pineda can recommend several mortgage consultants, lawyers, home inspectors, and renovation specialists who are all available to offer you advice. Their combined expertise can be a great source of information.
As your buyer’s agent, I want you to feel prepared, knowledgeable, and excited about buying your dream home. Simply fill out the form, and I will send you a list of homes that match your criteria. |