*** The author of this blog, Ben Officer, is a licensed REALTOR® in the province of Alberta. The opinions expressed within this blog are those of the author and are simply that, opinions. The views expressed in this blog are not intended to advise you, as your needs may differ depending on your particular situation. The information provided in this blog is not guaranteed to be accurate and is subject to change at any time. For legal advice/information, please consult a lawyer. For mortgage advice/information, please contact a licensed Mortgage Associate. For tax advice/information, please consult an accountant. For investment advice/information, please contact a financial advisor. *** Blog Disclaimer - The information contained within this blog and posted by the author is believed to be true but cannot be guaranteed to be so. The author of this blog takes absolutely no responsibility for the comments posted by third parties on this blog.
| Friday, March 6, 2009 Getting Your House Hunting Ducks in a Row!by Ben Officer on Fri, Mar, 6, 2009 09:58 PM
Getting Your House Hunting Ducks in a Row!
Say you’re shopping for a new home. Your goal is to find the ideal property, in a neighborhood that is just right for you, within a price range that you can afford.
What do you need — at minimum — to get started?
If you’re looking for ways to get your ducks in a row, here are some suggestions:
· A property wish list. What does your ideal home look like? How many bedrooms does it need to have? Do you require a spacious recreational room? A large deck? A pool? A nice view? Get your wish list down on paper.
· A neighborhood wish list. Where you live is just as
important as what you live in. What qualities are you looking for in a neighborhood? A nearby park? Walking distance to a good school? Hiking trails? A shorter drive to work? Write it down.
· A pre-approved mortgage. Getting the financing handled up front takes the guesswork out of what you can afford. Home sellers will also take any offers you make, more seriously.
· Realistic expectations. 99.9% of homes sell at or near the current market rates. So don’t expect to find a bargain that no one else has noticed. Your REALTOR® can help you understand which homes, in which neighbourhoods, are available within your price range.
· A great REALTOR®. Choosing the right real estate professional is crucial to making your home shopping experience less stressful and more productive. It also dramatically increases your chances of finding a home that fits your needs and budget.
Looking for more advice on finding your dream home? Give me a call to-day.  |
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