first time buyer
Episode 22: Listen Up Homebuyers on Roofing
Don’t Skip the Home Inspection
A few months ago, my clients and I attended an almost perfect home inspection. They were purchasing a classic 1940s Cape Cod that had been meticulously maintained. The only issue the home inspector found was a loose faucet in one of the bathrooms. Most home...
What is a post settlement occupancy agreement?
A post settlement occupancy agreement happens when sellers and buyers agree to allow the seller to stay in the house after settlement. This can happen for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, sellers need to stay in a home to finish out the school year. Other times...
Illinois First-Time Home Buyer Grants & Loans
Regardless of real estate market conditions, first-time home buyers need to know what loan programs and grants are available to help as they begin the home buying process. If you do your homework, there are many programs and grants available to first time homebuyers...
Yes, you need a home inspection.
Avoiding a Big Mistake and Still Being A Competitive Buyer One really big mistake the house hunters are being talked into is waiving your home inspection. Why do you need an inspection? If you hire an experienced exclusive buyer's agent, you have the backing of...
Don’t Waive Mortgage Contingency
1. Most of the time, if you have a documented pre-approval, you will get your mortgage, so a mortgage contingency is not really necessary, right? Wrong. It is only unnecessary if: You can afford to lose 5-10 percent of your purchase price. The mortgage contingency...
What is the Best Offer?
What is the Best Offer? Whose interests are being served by rushing offers and accepting offers that close the fastest? Some of the time, the seller wants and needs a quick closing. Some of the time, the seller's agent is advising their client to take the easy deal,...
What is Due Diligence: A First-Time Homebuyers Guide
Today we'll be looking at the due diligence part of the buying process. This is an important process that no buyer can afford to leave out. By doing your due dilligence you will avoid buying a home which has more issues than you might first realize. What is Due...
Top 5 Home Buyer Regrets and How to Avoid Them
Whether it's your first home purchase or your fifth, buying a home always comes with a lot of emotional baggage. As your closing day draws near, that emotional baggage can start to grow. Was this really a good deal? Would you have been better off waiting for another...
8 Important Features to Consider When Buying a Home
Everyone will have their own priorities when buying a home. A home purchase can be a complex process and it's easy to get distracted and fall off track. To make things easier, start by making a list of those home features that are most important to you. Your buyer's...
5 First Time Home Buyer Mistakes to Avoid
With another busy season here, many people will be looking now to buy their first home. This will be an exciting time but also a stressful one with a lot to think about. If you fail to do your homework you could end up paying too much or with a lemon. To help you...