Wednesday, August 29, 2012

4 Things To Do When Buying a North Shore Home this Fall!


A few weeks ago, I talked through a few of the key reasons why buying a home is better than renting in today’s North Shore Real Estate market.  As the market continues to improve, home prices will steadily increase and you’ll be left wishing you would’ve jumped on the opportunity to buy.  

Recently, an article from CNN noted the improvement of the national housing market.  The S&P/Case-Shiller national home price index, which covers more than 80% of the housing market in the United States, climbed 6.9% in the three months ended June 30 compared to the first three months of 2012. "We seem to be witnessing exactly what we needed for a sustained recovery; monthly increases coupled with improving annual rates of change," said David Blitzer, a spokesman for S&P, in a statement. "The market may have finally turned around."

If you are considering buying a home this fall; you’ll want to start now in order to get a head start on the competition.  As a North Shore Real Estate agent, I want to offer as much help as possible, so that you can be as successful as possible in buying a North Shore home.  Here are four key things you’ll want to do when going through the home buying process. 

DO # 1- Do Research the Neighborhood- Not only do you want to find a North Shore home that fits your needs and lifestyle, you’ll want to feel at home in the neighborhood as well!  Decide what you would and wouldn’t like to see in the neighborhood in which you live, and make finding the right fit in a neighborhood a high priority as well.

DO #2- Do Look at Many Houses Before You Buy
- Although you may fall in love with the first North Shore home you tour, it’s wise to view other homes in the area.  You never know if the home across the street is more in line with what you’re looking for in a home!  It’s also good to see the comparables to ensure you’re not overpaying for the home.  View at least three houses before making your decision and, if you still are in love with the first North Shore home you saw, make an offer!

DO #3- Do Invest in a Professional Inspection- While you may be trying to cut down on costs; this is one you don’t want to skip!  Sellers may not disclose everything about the home or they may have done a quick cover-up fix to a larger problem in the home.  Have a professional check over every detail of the house could save you thousands of dollars in the long run.  You’ll also feel very comfortable in making your final decision knowing  the condition of the home.

DO #4- Do Buy Based on Needs, Not Wants-  On average, Americans live in a home for nine years, so when thinking long term; it’s best to decide on a North Shore home based on your needs.  Some of the items you may want now, such as choosing a gourmet kitchen over square footage, may not be what you need in five years if your family is going to grow.  Make a list of your needs and be sure to follow it to be sure you don’t have buyer’s remorse down the road.

Of course as a North Shore Real Estate agent, I’m always here to answer any questions you have throughout the home buying process.  I would love the opportunity to talk with you about what you’re looking for in a home and guide you each step of the way!
Feel free to contact me today to get started!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert


North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
Visit My Website

No comments:

Post a Comment