If you are starting to get that itch to move, that yearning for a larger home, the yen to be in the neighborhood you couldn't afford three years ago, then you have to get yourself ready. Ask yourself these questions:
1) Do you have a house to sell before you buy?
If so, go ahead and talk to your 'Realtor for Life.' Found out where your numbers are. Make sure you are, indeed, in a place to put your house on the market. Especially now. If you bought at the height of the market you want to be sure you are in a financial position to sell right now.
Next, get your house on the market! If you want to buy *but* you have to sell before that, bite the bullet and get your home on the market.
2) If you are planning to finance the home, talk to a lender NOW.
Do not wait until you are in the process. Lending laws and practices have changed and lenders tightened their belts. Go ahead and get pre-approved now. Your benefits are that you will be made aware of current loan programs, you will know what amounts are comfortable for you on a monthly basis and as a whole. You will also find out if there are any glitches on your credit that a) shouldn't be there and need to be disputed, or b) need to be corrected before purchasing is possible. Either of these *glitches* can take months if not longer to correct.
Now that your current home is marketed or sold and your financing is taken care of the FUN can begin.
Call your 'Realtor for Life.' If you don't have one call three Realtors to interview. I would love to be your 'Realtor for Life.'
Sit down for a consultation as you do with any other professional. Your dentist tells you what he or she is going to do before they start pulling teeth!
- Talk to them about the area, city, town, neighborhood you are interested in. See what they know about that area.
- Talk to them about how they do business. Is real estate a full-time job? Can you contact them on weekends? Are they capable of walking you through the purchase process confidently and with clarity?
Make sure you hire a Realtor who has your best interest at heart. Hire a Realtor who understands and can communicate the current treands in the marketplace.
Once you have hired your 'Realtor for Life' schedule some appointments to find the right home for you and your family. Remember, dress comfortably! It can be a bit overwhelming when house hunting.
Enjoy! And if you are looking for a 'Realtor for Life' please call Virginia Halter. I would love to talk with you about where you are in the marketplace and how we can best proceed to get you into the right home.