Posts with tag 'Home Buying Tips'
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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.
28
Buying a Home in a Competitive Market
Summer isn't the only reason it's getting hot out there. As the pandemic subsides and life renews, the inventory of existing homes remains tight. This is creating a superheated real estate market from coast to coast. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned pro, there's no reason to be intimidated by the competition. By adjusting your strategy and patiently conducting your search, our agents can help you find the perfect home.
Buying in a Seller's Market
Right now, homeowners can expect to receive multiple offers on their property within days, and in some cases, hours after listing their home. Houses are moving quickly, and they're moving at, or above, the listing price. This means that it is the seller's choice on who they elect to sell their home to, and that means that to make a deal, you need to take extra steps to seal the deal on the Bakersfield homes for sale you have your eye on.
19
Why You Still Have Work to Do When You Hire Movers
You've found your dream home from a selection of Bakersfield homes for sale, hired a moving company, set a moving date, and now you think you're all set for the move. Not so fast! Even if you've booked a full-service move, there are several things you need to do before the big day to help avoid accidents, damage, setbacks, delays, and misunderstandings. Here's our agents' list of tasks you need to take care of before the movers arrive.
- Clean and Organize
When preparing for movers, you want to make sure that all items that will put on the moving truck are clean, dry, and in good condition. Commit yourself to tackling one cleaning project a day. You can empty drawers, bookshelves, and cupboards; wash all linens and towels; throw out the garbage and wash trash cans; clean out your closets; fold your bedding and strip the mattress; and drain out of any fuel-powered tool. Get rid of explosive, flammable, and corrosive items that your movers won't ship like fertilizers, car batteries, chemicals, propane tanks, motor oils, pesticides, and antifreeze.
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.