Invest in Your Dream Home

Buying a home is an exciting decision. The agents at Power Team Realty Corp. can help find the home you have always wanted. With over 20 years of experience, we have a good understanding of the locality and will guide you to a property that suits your needs. Contact our local and family-owned business today for a free consultation!

When it comes to buying a new home, you might become excited and overwhelmed that you might overlook specific crucial points. We’ll help you stay focused on your needs and budget. Our professionals will ensure that each step of your way, you make a well-informed decision.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Home

Check Your Credit – Your credit is crucial when applying for a loan; the better your score, the lower your interest rates will be. Be sure to check all three major credit reporting companies: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion as the information in each report may vary slightly. Make sure you make copies of your credit report as well and check your score well in advance of applying for loans.

Find a Lender – Most people need to take out a loan when buying a home, and you’ll want to be prepared to make an offer when you find that perfect home. It’s important to be sure that you’re approved for a loan before you start looking at homes, so you don’t miss out on any opportunities. If you need help finding a lender, we can recommend trusted lenders near you.

Price Range – Calculate what’s realistic for you before considering different areas to live in to be sure things stay within your budget. Once you know your range, we can help you make the most out of your money.

Research – Finding the right home can be time consuming, but it’s important to consider everything before you decide. What’s the commute like to work? If you have kids, what are the schools like in the area? How many bed and bathrooms will you need? Do you prefer a newer or older styled home? All are important factors to take into account during the home finding process. We are dedicated to helping you through the entire home buying process. Once we find that perfect home, we will prepare a written offer. With my experience in the market, we can help you arrive at an offer that both fits your budget and has the best chance of being accepted.

Once Your Offer is Accepted – After your offer is accepted, you’ll have a grace period to have the house professionally inspected and request repairs or counter offer if the situation arises. Once this step is complete, we will verify the terms and conditions of your loan and assist you in signing your papers. I’m here to assist you with any questions you may have during the process.

Moving Time! – Now that you’ve found your perfect home it’s time to make moving arrangements. If you plan on utilizing a professional moving company, we can recommend reputable, local movers. Don’t forget to fill out your change of address forms and inform the utility company of your move!

Each home has its advantages. It’s essential to make sure that these benefits favor your needs. While the internet can list out homes that are up for sale, our agents can share expert advice and answer all your concerns.

After you buy a home, you’ll be spending a significant amount of time in your neighborhood and community. That is why it’s important to learn more about it before you make the purchase. Keep these in mind while you research your future neighborhood:

  • The property’s proximity to important locations, such as schools, your workplace, hospital, and more
  • The availability of transportation
  • How comfortable you feel in the community

If you are planning to sell your existing home and buy a new one at the same time, our agents can ensure that both transactions run smoothly. What if you’re unable to time the sale of one house with the purchase of another? You need a backup plan. Here are some tips:

  • Research short-term rental and storage options
  • Bridge financing or a short-term loan

Having our experienced real estate agent on your side can prove to be beneficial. He or she will be:

  • Arranging showings
  • Tracking the properties you have seen
  • Identifying homes that meet your needs

Once you find the home that is right for you, it’s time to make an offer. There may be multiple offers for the same home. You’ll get only one chance to make an offer that the owner might agree with. That is why it is imperative to strategize it. Our agents will help you through this.

Keep your budget in mind while you propose an offer. Here are some tips to come up with a winning bid:

  • Understand the condition of the house you are moving into
  • Understand the market and the current selling price of real estate
  • Have a credit pre-approval

The advertising price is just the starting pricing. You’ll have to negotiate with the seller to arrive at the final price.

Applying for a loan is the next step. Your lender will help you through the process. But it helps to be prepared as well. Here is what you need to do:

  • Prepare required documents
  • Submit the application
  • Submit your documents
  • Get it pre-approved in as little as 24 hours

A lease is an option where the seller and buyer agree to rent the house for some time before buying it. A part of the rent, rent credit, would be applied. Always read the lease agreement document before signing.

Most sellers don’t prefer this option. The time-consuming loan process isn’t involved if you choose this option. You can avoid mortgage interest, loan origination fees, required appraisal, some closing costs.

Once you make an offer, hire an experienced home inspector. This is essential to avoid costly home buying mistakes. A home inspector typically checks:

  • All the rooms
  • Exterior home components
  • Electrical systems
  • Foundation and structural components – both interior and exterior
  • Heating and air conditioning systems
  • Plumbing systems
  • Attic, basement, and crawl spaces

A home inspection can uncover the following:

  • Drainage problems, which could include water intrusions below the home
  • Roof leaks and defects from aging
  • Poor ventilation, especially in an attic, this is the time to ensure that all vents are clean and working correctly
  • Excess air leakage due to poor weather stripping and subpar caulking around fixtures
  • Failed window seals, which are routinely found with dual pane windows
  • Maintenance problems such as rotting decks, paint chips, water damaged ceilings, and more
  • Electrical problems, even faulty fuses, can lead to more severe difficulties in the future
  • Environmental contamination caused by asbestos, mold, formaldehyde, lead paint, radon, soil contamination, and / or water contamination
  • Faulty lines in water heaters, overflow piping, and / or hazardous flue conditions

Protecting your new home is essential. That is why you need homeowners insurance. This will financially protect your home.

Closing is the final step of the process. This is where all the people who are involved in the closing agreement sign it. All your dues should be paid based on the document, and the home’s ownership is transferred to your name.

Moving into your new home is an exciting yet tiring routine. Here are some tips to make it easier:

  • Start packing things early
  • Inform the seller your date of moving in
  • Hire mover or rent a moving truck
  • Label all your boxes correctly
  • Notify your children’s school and your doctors about the move
  • Check with your insurance agent
  • Have a detailed record of the moving expenses