Buying Tips

What's the Right Home For You?

Are you looking for a home? Before deciding which house to buy, think about your lifestyle, your current and anticipated housing needs, and your budget. It's a good idea to create a prioritized list of features you want in your next home - you'll soon discover finding the right house involves striking a balance between your "must-haves" and your "nice-to-haves

How Much Can You Afford?

Early on in the process, you'll want to get pre-qualified for a mortgage loan, which helps determine how much you can afford. It enables you to move swiftly when you find the right home, especially when there are other interested buyers. It also indicates to the seller that you are serious and can afford to buy the property. A pre-approval is a simple calculation done by a mortgage lender that tells you the amount you'll be able to finance through a loan and what your monthly payment will be. When you find a home to buy, a pre-approval also reassures the seller that you have the financial means to purchase the home.

Knowing what you can afford is the first rule of home buying, and that depends on how much income and how much debt you have. It pays to check with several lenders before you start searching for a home.

Shopping for a Home

Selecting a buyer's agent to help you find your dream home is an important first step. He or she can represent the buyer's interest in a real estate transaction. Before making a decision, however, have a REALTOR® explain the pros and cons of using a buyer's agent versus a sales or dual agent.

When you're ready to visit houses, ask your CENTURY 21® professional champion to help you with:

  • Arranging showings
  • Tracking the properties you've seen.
  • Identifying homes that meet your criteria - refer to your "what's right for you" list

After touring each home, write down what you liked and didn't like. Develop a rating system that will help narrow the field. For example, pick the house you like best on day one and compare all other houses to it. When you find a better one, use the new favorite as the standard.

Buying Your Home Buying a property is a big step involving a substantial long-term financial commitment, so it requires a thorough assessment of what you can afford.  http://www.century21.com/buyingadvice/buying101

Making an Offer

Making a home purchase offer isn't a simple endeavor. Consult with a CENTURY 21® agent with the experience and expertise to assist you in making a successful offer.http://www.century21.com/buyingadvice/buying101/makinganoffer

How Much?

How much should I pay for that home? There are several ways you can determine a good amount to offer and century21.com can help.http://www.century21.com/buyingadvice/buying101/makinganoffer/howmuch

Lease Options

 Looking to buy a home through a lease option? Find all the information you need about lease options here or contact a CENTURY 21 real estate agent  for complete support. http://www.century21.com/buyingadvice/buying101/makinganoffer/leaseoptions                                                                                                                      All

Cash

 If you are planning to buy a home with cash, century21.com provides necessary information you'll need to make your transaction a success. Find out how.http://www.century21.com/buyingadvice/buying101/makinganoffer/allcash

Closing and Beyond

Inspection

 Home inspection is a major step in the buying process. century21.com offers helpful information on potential problems that can be discovered during this period. http://www.century21.com/buyingadvice/closingandbeyond/inspection

Insurance

Homeowners insurance protects you against natural disasters and catastrophic events. Find more related information at century21.com http://www.century21.com/buyingadvice/closingandbeyond/insurance

Timeline and Paperwork

 In the home buying process, the closing meeting is where ownership of the home is officially transferred to you. Know what to expect when you close on your new home. http://www.century21.com/buyingadvice/closingandbeyond/timeline

Moving In

  Planning to move to your new home? Our home moving checklist can help you make moving less stressful and more successful .http://www.century21.com/buyingadvice/closingandbeyond/movingin