Posts in category 'Buy A House'
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21
Should You Rent Until You Can Buy?
Our real estate agents have heard from lots of homeowners on the fence about selling their home. They want to benefit from the historic "seller's market" causing prices in many areas to skyrocket, but they have real concerns about entering that same market as a buyer.
But now, market conditions show signs of changing. We may be reaching the end of this unprecedented seller's market. Gradual increases in interest rates will tighten credit, driving more potential buyers onto the sidelines. That means fewer qualified bidders and less of those lucrative bidding wars.
16
So Long Apartment Life; Hello Homeownership
Whether it's for a new job, recent marriage, expanding family, change of scenery, or just the need for more space, becoming a first-time homeowner is one of life's exciting big moments. There's a lot to love about moving from an apartment to a house. You can remodel your house to reflect your taste, and that man cave, vegetable garden, or patio you've been dreaming of is one step closer to happening. But owning a house comes with much more responsibilities that you should be aware of to make the transition as easy as possible. Our agents have compiled a detailed apartment to house checklist to help you succeed in your exploit.
- Notify Your Landlord
When it comes time to move out, giving your landlord advance notice is a mandatory step in the process. It's important to know what your lease says about when and how you should give notice. As a general rule, write a formal letter to your landlord at least 30 days before your planned move. The letter should include the date of your letter, the name of your landlord or property management, property address and unit number, the date you intend to move, your intention to move, and a request for knowing about your security deposit. Sign the letter and deliver it to your landlord by certified mail or in person as you pay your monthly rent.
21
Don't Let These 5 Things Hold Up Your House Closing
Although closing on a house may seem pretty straightforward, many things can happen that hold up this process. If you're looking at Bakersfield homes for sale, you want to be sure you understand the ins and outs of house closings. Our agents are ready to answer your questions and can ensure this process goes smoothly during the purchase of your home in the Bakersfield area.
Here are five things that can hold up your house closing.
- Approval of a loan
Most buyers depend on getting a loan to buy a house. Failure to secure this loan by the closing date can delay the closing. The reasons why a loan can be delayed are varied, including spikes in interest rates, which affect qualification for the loan if it is not locked in, or suddenly the buyer's credit score or income changes, so the underwriter rejects the loan. Often, the seller must agree to an extension to keep the contract from expiring or being canceled. To avoid these situations, get a preapproved mortgage loan before submitting an offer; you can also try to be pre-underwritten for a loan.
9
Buyers: Condo or House? Tips to Determine What's Right for You
Ready to start looking for a home? It's important to know from the beginning whether you're interested in a condo or a house. A condo is a single unit, in either an apartment or a townhouse, that is part of a larger building. When you buy a condo, you're just buying that unit instead of a house, which stands alone and includes the plot of land it sits upon. There are advantages and disadvantages to each, and which works best for you may depend on your preferences and unique situation.
Here are a few considerations to keep in mind when discussing your options with one of our agents.
5
Buyers: Ask These 6 Questions During a Video Tour
Technology has revolutionized nearly all aspects of our lives, including how we can buy and sell real estate. Whether you're purchasing a home from out of state, of you'd like to remain as socially distanced as possible during your home search, virtual tours are effective ways to house hunt without leaving your own home. If you're planning to attend a virtual tour, our agents insist that you ask these six questions during a video tour.
- Could we see a close up of these specific areas?
When you're engaging in a video tour, you need to approach the walk-through as if you're in the house. Ask to see close-ups on various features like appliances, countertops, cabinetry, and fixtures. If you spot anything that looks damaged or dirty, ask your agent to give you a little more detail. This is especially important if certain areas of the home may require repairs. Although an inspection should catch most of these issues, it never hurts to ask your agent for their report.