Since the early part of this decade, on-line emergence of Real Estate tools and technology used to evaluate, analyze and scrutinize homes for sale, have changed how Realtors and Buyers alike, approach home-buying. At first, my colleagues and I were a bit skeptical about on-line searching and even fearful it would take business out of our pockets. However, over the past few years, I've not only embraced the digital and on-line world, I have become somewhat addicted to it.
With resources available on Realtor.com, Zillow.com, Homes.com, Yahoo.com, Trulia.com and others, the home buyer has an opportunity to be more informed and in-control of the home buying experience than ever before. And with all the insight available across the internet , the home buying experience can be more precise, less time consuming and much less stressful.
Here are just a few tips I'd gathered over time to help home buyers as they begin the process:
1. Make a list of everything you MUST have for your home. From location, school district, size, number of bedrooms, number of bathroms, layout and type of garage. Then put together a wish list of amenities such as flooring, kitchen shelving, fireplace and storage. Don't forget to also list things you absolutely don't want in a home. You may not end up getting everything on this list, but it will provide a great start and vision for the search
2. Find a lender that can pre-approve you for a loan in the price range that will put you in position to get the home of your dreams...or provide you with a good idea of what you can be approved for
3. Research homes on the internet so you get a feel for what is out there. I can help you sort through the properties within your price range and help you pinpoint homes that fit your criteria. By reviewing the photos and videos on your computer, you can get a good idea of what the property will look like...HOWEVER, just as the internet has revolutionized the home search, ADOBE PHOTOSHOP has made it possible to make interiors and exteriors of homes look much different in the photos than in person. So keep this in mind when looking at photos or virtual home tours
4. Focus on the big picture. I recommend to all my clients not to get stuck on the aesthetics that can be changed out easily -- carpet, paint colors, bad decor and old/faded/cracked (or just plain funky) fixtures
5. Find a professional Buyer's REALTOR like myself that can be your mentor throughout the process. They represent you, and only you -- always looking out for your best interest. And, in almost all cases, they would be paid by the seller, not by you. I always recommend against using the Realtor that lists the property that interests you or has their name on the property sign. They have signed a contract with the seller and have a responsibility to bring the seller the most money they can for their home. Which can end up costing you more for the home. It is a negotiation process in which the focus should be on you. Not on the seller. Especially in a "Buyer's Market".
There are plenty of tips, you as a buyer, should consider. Give me an e-mail or call and I can send you a copy of my special report "GREAT TIPS TO GET MORE HOME FOR YOUR MONEY."
---
Dave Harbison
Long Beach REALTOR®
Main Street Realtors
(562) 618-9770
---
Long Beach Realtor® / Real Estate Agent
Long Beach Homes for Sale, Condos and Investment Properties
Long Beach Relocation Expert
---
Labels: edison, huntington, millikan, poly, rogers, school district, tips, wilson
# posted by
Dave Harbison @ 5:07 PM
