Start planning now!
When you are thinking about buying a home, whether upgrading or making your first home purchase, there are a few things that remain constant that you should be thinking about far in advance of home shopping. Taking some time to plan your finances, do your analysis of areas that you would like to live in, as well as really making your list of what is important to you in a home (and checking it twice) are things that will really help you to have confidence in your purchase.
Buying Secret #5: Don’t Make any Big Money Moves
If you are thinking about buying a home in the next few months it’s a good idea not to make any big purchases or do anything that may affect your credit profile. Lenders like to see a complete paper trail of monies going in and out and it will simplify your loan process. Paying down debts and timely payments are great things to focus on starting today!
Buying Secret #4: Get Pre-Approved
It is a great idea to speak with a lender as soon as you start thinking about making a purchase. My broker once said it well, “looking for homes without a pre-approval is like going shopping without your wallet – you can’t buy anything.” Not only is it great to understand what you are able to spend, but also to be able to make an offer if you find your dream home. With the limited inventory on the market, it is important to be able to make an offer immediately should an opportunity present itself.
Buying Secret # 3: Don’t rely on Seasonal Timing
It is so easy to read a few online articles and get overwhelmed with right and wrong times to buy. Try not to obsess with trying to time the market to figure out when is the best time to buy. A
re there seasonal trends for inventory, etc? Of course. Does that mean that you won’t find your dream house in the winter? Not at all. Trying to anticipate the housing market is impossible. The best time to buy is when you find your perfect house and are financially able to make the purchase. Real estate, like the economy, is cyclical - it goes up and it goes down and it goes right back up again.
Buying Secret #2: Use your Head, Not your Heart.
I know that it is hard… But try not to fall in love at first sight with a house, use your head. It is easy to fall in love with a house, pay too much, or lose it in a multiple offer situation and you don’t want to have your heart broken. I promise you, there will be another house. It is important to differentiate between your emotions and your instincts. Going with your instincts and recognizing 
that you’re getting a great house for a good value is the way to a strong purchase. Going with your emotions because you love the paint color or the backyard is something very different. It’s an investment, try to stay calm and be wise. Start early by making your list of what you would want in a home. Does the house that you are looking at check most of the boxes? Are you ok with the compromises in a house that doesn’t fit your ideal home?
Buying Secret #1: Give Your House a Physical
People always say things like “you wouldn’t buy a car without checking under the hood?’… But in reality – what would I know if I looked under my cars hood! I would definitely seek out a professional for that. Same goes for a house. I am in and out of houses all day long and I wouldn’t have it any other way, but even though I have stood through many inspections, have learned a lot about what to look for after reading piles of inspection reports… I am not a home inspector, and most likely neither are you. Hire a home inspector and save yourself the risk of missing something that might be hiding. It’ll cost about $300 but could end up saving you thousands. A home inspector’s sole responsibility is to provide you with information so that you can make a decision as to whether or not to buy. It’s really the only way to get an unbiased third-party opinion. If the inspector does find any issues with the home, you can use it as a bargaining tool for lowering the price of the home or having the issues remedied before you move in.
Whatever questions that you may have, or help that you need getting ready to sell or buy, I am here to help! Call/text/email absolutely any time, I’d be glad to assist in any way that I can.
Happy House Hunting! You can search homes for sale in Fenton, Michigan 48430 anytime on my website for free.
If you have any questions that you would like me to answer for you in the next edition, please email to SOLD@jenniferlasco.com
Jennifer Lasco
Your local Real Estate Expert
248.840.6059
Always with the happiest clients on the block.
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