Showing posts with label Single Family Home. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Single Family Home. Show all posts
Saturday, April 23, 2016
Friday, February 26, 2016
Going Solo: 5 Steps to Buying a Home on Your Own
The home-buying experience often portrayed in advertising generally seems to focus on couples and families. But these days, only 40 percent of first-time home buyers are married, down from 52 percent in the late ’80s, according to Zillow research.
The process of purchasing a home for a sole owner may be fairly similar to that of anyone else, but there are a few slight differences in how a single buyer might approach the home-buying experience.
Here are five ways to make your solo house hunt a success.
Find your agent
Don’t choose the first real estate agent you find in an online search. Try posting a query on social media to get insights from your friends and family, and search for agents in your area, taking plenty of time to read reviews. Look for positive agent reviews that may comment on purchasing alone versus as a couple.
Once you find a few agent options, meet with each of them. You’ll want to ask plenty of questions — don’t let them do all the talking.
Read up on your resources
So you’ve met with multiple agents and found the one for you. Great! But having a wonderful real estate agent doesn’t mean you don’t need to read up on your own.
Don’t rely on your agent to explain every detail of the process. They probably will, and should, but it’s your job to be an informed buyer. Head to the library or check out online resources to find out your rights as a buyer and learn about home-buying programs.
When you’re deciding how much home you can afford, consider all recurring expenses that come with owning a home. Think beyond mortgage payments and closing costs — include expenses such as home maintenance and repairs.
And if you’re nervous about being turned down for a loan because you’re buying on your own, try not to be. While qualifying for a loan on one income may mean you purchase a smaller home, it doesn’t mean you can’t buy. In fact, banks are not allowed to discriminate against potential home buyers based on marital status.
Singles buying a home on one income should consider an FHA loan, as borrowers with good credit can qualify for a small down payment.
Choose the right home type for you
Are you looking for something to grow into? Or do you want a small starter home you can rent out in the future? Whatever your current and future home needs are, know that you have options regarding the type of home you purchase.
Buying a condo or townhouse may leave you with a lower mortgage, but don’t forget about possible homeowners association dues and storage fees. And while a smaller place means less to maintain for one person, regular maintenance is still a homeowner must.
House hunt with confidence
Pursuing homeownership on your own doesn’t mean you have to decide everything solo. Bring one or two of your close friends who have recently purchased a home and who you know can offer honest feedback.
If you plan to move to the suburbs to get more house for your buck, consider if you’d really be happy living away from your favorite downtown spots. Try commuting to and from your potential home from work, your friends’ homes, and your favorite shops and restaurants. If you discover it’s a tad too far for comfort, narrow your home search.
Once you find a few neighborhoods you love, look at the crime data. There are plenty of online tools that can help you check the safety of a neighborhood. And as you scope out houses and communities, take note of enclosed backyards and security gates. Because there may not be someone home during hours you’re typically away, you’ll want to be mindful of security precautions during your house hunt.
Make an informed offer
If you’re buying as a singleton, you may not have someone by your side to help you figure out what to offer or how to negotiate. This is where finding the best real estate agent for you will serve you well. Talk to your agent about how your offer may stack up against recent sales in the area, as well as the possible concessions you can get from the sellers.
Whether you’ve just started considering purchasing your first home or you’re newly single and buying on your own for the first time, these five steps will ensure you’re a smart and savvy solo buyer, and help you land a home of your own.
Source: Zillow Blog, Sarah Pike
http://www.zillow.com/blog/buying-a-home-on-your-own-192824/
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Don't Fall For The Wrong Home
When you go shopping for homes in the fall, you have some advantages. Buyer traffic has slowed with the start of schools. Sellers who've had their homes on the long hot summer market are weary of trying to sell their homes and more willing to drop prices. Your REALTOR® has more time for you, and is telling you about good deals in better neighborhoods.
But there's a reason you might be vulnerable to choosing a home too quickly, even though market conditions are more in your favor. You want to get into your new home before the holiday season starts. You're already under the nesting spell of grey skies, glorious turning leaves, and afternoon football games on TV. It's Thanksgiving at your house this year, everybody!
But wait. The holidays aren't a deadline. It's far better to choose a home that meets your needs no matter what time of year it is.
1. Get preapproved. Your lender will give you a price limit that you can comfortably afford based on your income and debts. These are time-tested formulas that allow some wiggle room in your finances so you won't be house-rich but cash-poor.
2. Shop for the right size, not the biggest. Buying the biggest home you can isn't the best idea. Think about the operating costs of heating, cooling and maintaining all that space. This is money wasted that could be spent on other things you may need such as a new car or furniture.
3. Think about your activities. Think about how you actually use a home. A home with a huge impressive kitchen is a poor investment if you don't cook much, except at Thanksgiving. Do you have the space you need for your home office or art studio? Are there enough bathrooms for the morning rush?
4. Consider the commute. Newer homes offer the most amenities, but they tend to be far from city centers. How long would you spend commuting to your job every day to live in a particular community? Those are hours spent in traffic that you could be spending with loved ones.
5. Look at the bones of the home. Appliances, wall colors, and flooring can easily be updated, but the basic floorplan has to flow well for the way you live. Look at the traffic flow. Is it easy to let the dog outside and clean muddy paws when he comes back in? Where do the kids put their backpacks when they come home from school?
6. Be willing to update. Many homes are affordable because they're older and need work. Many times, cosmetic updates can turn a so-so home into a treasure. If you set aside your holiday deadline, you can start work on your new home while more contractors are available and possibly less expensive than in the busy summer months.
7. Be sure to get year-round amenities. Remember what you enjoy doing in the fall, winter, spring and summer. The home you want to buy now should make you happy for the fall, but what about warm weather? Will you be able to garden, swim, or entertain outdoors? The best time to buy a home with a pool is in the fall and winter.
When you're comparing homes think about your wish list and which home comes closest to meeting your price, number of bedrooms, condition, space, features and the amenities of the neighborhood. Once you move in, you'll know you fell for the right choice.
Source: RealtyTimes, Blanche Evans
http://realtytimes.com/consumeradvice/buyersadvice1/item/38041-20150904-dont-fall-for-the-wrong-home
But there's a reason you might be vulnerable to choosing a home too quickly, even though market conditions are more in your favor. You want to get into your new home before the holiday season starts. You're already under the nesting spell of grey skies, glorious turning leaves, and afternoon football games on TV. It's Thanksgiving at your house this year, everybody!
But wait. The holidays aren't a deadline. It's far better to choose a home that meets your needs no matter what time of year it is.
1. Get preapproved. Your lender will give you a price limit that you can comfortably afford based on your income and debts. These are time-tested formulas that allow some wiggle room in your finances so you won't be house-rich but cash-poor.
2. Shop for the right size, not the biggest. Buying the biggest home you can isn't the best idea. Think about the operating costs of heating, cooling and maintaining all that space. This is money wasted that could be spent on other things you may need such as a new car or furniture.
3. Think about your activities. Think about how you actually use a home. A home with a huge impressive kitchen is a poor investment if you don't cook much, except at Thanksgiving. Do you have the space you need for your home office or art studio? Are there enough bathrooms for the morning rush?
4. Consider the commute. Newer homes offer the most amenities, but they tend to be far from city centers. How long would you spend commuting to your job every day to live in a particular community? Those are hours spent in traffic that you could be spending with loved ones.
5. Look at the bones of the home. Appliances, wall colors, and flooring can easily be updated, but the basic floorplan has to flow well for the way you live. Look at the traffic flow. Is it easy to let the dog outside and clean muddy paws when he comes back in? Where do the kids put their backpacks when they come home from school?
6. Be willing to update. Many homes are affordable because they're older and need work. Many times, cosmetic updates can turn a so-so home into a treasure. If you set aside your holiday deadline, you can start work on your new home while more contractors are available and possibly less expensive than in the busy summer months.
7. Be sure to get year-round amenities. Remember what you enjoy doing in the fall, winter, spring and summer. The home you want to buy now should make you happy for the fall, but what about warm weather? Will you be able to garden, swim, or entertain outdoors? The best time to buy a home with a pool is in the fall and winter.
When you're comparing homes think about your wish list and which home comes closest to meeting your price, number of bedrooms, condition, space, features and the amenities of the neighborhood. Once you move in, you'll know you fell for the right choice.
Source: RealtyTimes, Blanche Evans
http://realtytimes.com/consumeradvice/buyersadvice1/item/38041-20150904-dont-fall-for-the-wrong-home
Friday, August 14, 2015
Come To My Open House Sat & Sun 1:30 to 4:30pm - 5462 Carls Ct, San Jose
OPEN HOUSE!
Saturday, August 15th 2015 - 1:30 to 4:30pm
Sunday, August 16th 2015 - 1:30 to 4:30pm
$769,888, 4Bd/2.5Ba Single Family House, 1960 sqft.
Saturday, August 15th 2015 - 1:30 to 4:30pm
Sunday, August 16th 2015 - 1:30 to 4:30pm
$769,888, 4Bd/2.5Ba Single Family House, 1960 sqft.
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