You may not be in the market (yet) to buy another home, but when you do, here are nine things to consider. And if you are selling your home, these things also apply.
Good View = Higher Price: The view really doesn’t matter. It could be a pond. A view of a mountain or valley. The rule of thumb is that you can expect to pay a higher price.
Sold AS IS: Sellers will sometimes negotiate the price or give a dollar concession rather than put the home back on the market and start all over again.
Gated community: It might have a gate—but what does that really mean? Can anyone push a button to open the gate? Or is there a special card or access code to gain entry? If security is an issue, it pays to find out.
Curb appeal: If the yard is neglected, the weeds are taking over or the outside paint job is fading, the inside is usually neglected too. Get a home inspection and be especially careful to look for hidden maintenance items.
Check the area for crime: It’s still about location, location, location! You can get crime stats from your local police or sheriff’s department.
Check out the school system: Same as above. In addition, use the Internet to do some of your own research to compare it to other schools in your area (including private schools).
Don’t buy into the “marketing” fluff: Beware of descriptions such as “cozy, cute, fixer-upper, charming,” etc. Pay more attention to the “facts”!
Lowest price in the neighborhood: This is a red flag because people usually don’t sell at a lower price because they don’t need the money. It’s priced low because of some other issue.
Don’t believe what you read: Remember that the real estate agent is the one who creates the marketing strategies – and it’s all in the way they “perceive” it. So if you are interested in the home, go ahead and view it, but make your own decision. (If you are selling, ask to review the listing information before it is published.)
Published by Heather Paige Moody
Welcome! I'm Heather ( AKA: Paige) Moody . A Little About me: I was born and raised in a small town in Eunice, Louisiana where I started my first mortgage company in 2005 at the age of 21 years old. Since 2005 I’ve grown to know everything when it comes to the industry, from owning a mortgage company, processing loans, mortgage underwriting rules, to now managing.
Why I’m in the Mortgage Business:
My family has a history of Banking and real estate . I could see at an early age how satisfying the real estate profession was for them, so I started off as a Real Estate agent and quickly realized that the mortgage side was my passion.
I am a mother of 4 very active kids that have been/ are being raised in the Real Estate /mortgage world. I have always said that their first baby blanket was a file folder.
I love to be able to teach that going the extra mile for others is such a blessing to us as well as the other person. Most importantly that no matter what the obstacle is that we must work hard and give it our all in all that we do. Our family lives at a field or a gym for most of the year. Between baseball, cheer, volleyball, football and anything they can possibly sing up for, I have developed little-known disease called Bleacher Butt.
When I am not working ( or should I say.. not behind my desk) or attending an event for one of the kids . I really enjoy bible studies , reading and listening to podcast. My children go to 2 different schools and I am so blessed to be part of two Mom’s in Prayer groups. It is a National Organization that Moms can get together to pray for our children and our school.
As the Southern Mortgage Mom, I help homebuyers and Real Estate Agents make the Mortgage buying process as stress free as possible. I have been called the miracle worker by clients and agents( on occasion) because I have saved some mortgage loans that others have denied . It has nothing to do with miracles , but all to do with knowing how to get a loan approved.
If I am lucky enough that you chose me or my team as your go to lender, I promise that I will be fair, I will be honest and you will feel like family when you sign the final papers and I will keep in touch (till you tell me not to) long after the mortgage loan is closed. Looking forward to working with you when it comes time to buy a home or refinance your current mortgage.
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