Tag: home-refinance

How to Purchase the Home You Always Wanted

Finding a home that fits you is an emotional journey – it’s both exciting and exhausting. It’s also one of the biggest investments many of us will make in their life. This is why you want to make sure that you find “the one” and make the best decision possible.

The question is: How do you actually get the house of your dreams? And, more importantly: How do you know if you are making the right choice? To assist you with your search and help you narrow down your options, here are five things you’ll need to cross off from your checklist and get the house of your dreams.

Consider your personal style and needs

First things first, not every future homeowner enters the home-buying process wanting the same things from their new home. Some prefer the look of a penthouse, some envision a condo, while others like the appeal of suburban properties. Some may embrace the tiny house movement while others see themselves living in a villa.

And style isn’t the only thing you need to keep in mind when searching for your dream abode. You’ll also need to consider your individual needs and choose accordingly. A condo may sound like a great low-maintenance option compared to a single-family home. However, it will not offer the amount of green space, freedom, and privacy that come with the latter. Sometimes, getting the house that ticks all the right boxes will involve hiring a general contractor and having them help you determine the best style, design, and budget so you can realize your project.

Befriend your local realtors

A real estate agent can be of major help in your quest for the house of your dreams. Their experience and ability make them invaluable resources that will make your search easier, smoother, and far less stressful.

According to the best realtors in Scottsdale AZ, befriending your local real estate professionals also means you’ll have access to properties before they officially hit the market. This means that you can beat the crowds and snag the ideal house before other buyers know it exists. They’ll also keep your needs and wants in mind so you’ll steer clear of homes that aren’t appropriate for you, not to mention the amount of time and money they’ll save you in the process.

Do your research

A big part of the home-buying process is doing some extensive research. You want to learn everything there is to know about the location, neighborhood, walkability score, and nearby amenities. Check out the schools, hospitals, restaurants, malls, and other public facilities in the area, and check neighborhood safety as well.

The last thing you want is to find a home that fits you perfectly and realize that it’s not safe or that everything you need is out of reach. Do your homework, and remember to visit the neighborhood on weekdays, weekends, and at different times of the day.

Get your finances in order

Sometimes, you’ll run into homes that will look amazing but will be well outside your budgetary limits. Looking at such homes is a waste of time and it can tempt you into getting something you can’t afford. You’re better off aiming for homes that you can pay off comfortably.

To do that, you’ll need to get your finances in order. Examine your credit score and see if there’s something you can do to improve your credit for a home loan. Seeing where you stand will help you set financial limits and minimize stress, making your home-buying experience a smooth one.

Keep an open mind

Every homebuyer starts their home-buying journey thinking they’ll find a home that ticks all the boxes right away. Of course, there may be instances where everything simply falls into its place (in which case – lucky you!). But most of the time, houses will have certain features that homebuyers won’t necessarily want or like.

Now, getting a perfect home doesn’t always mean buying one. Sometimes, it means making small, necessary changes and updates until your new home fits you perfectly. Therefore, keep your mind open when house-hunting. Look past the flaws, especially when it comes to cosmetic blemishes that can easily be fixed. Most importantly, make sure it’s a home that will grow with you. With little time, effort, and TLC, you can take an imperfect house that needs a bit of work and turn it into a gorgeous, warm, and inviting home you’ll love coming back to.

Wrapping up

Getting the house you’ve always wanted is a dream come true for many, but it’s not exactly an easy feat. However, if you follow guidelines and learn what to look for, you’ll make this process so much smoother and easier.

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About The Author

Taylor Parker is an American based writer and blogger. She is very passionate about family, fashion, health, and lifestyle. Taylor writes mostly lifestyle articles, but also you’ll find her in home improvement and other niches.  You can follow her on Facebook and Twitter

Indicators of “We Buy Houses” Rip-Offs Every Seller Has To Know

There are many ways to sell your house besides hiring a real estate agent and listing it on the open market sites like Sundae.com. One is through a real estate investor or cash buyer who is into buying properties that are usually in numerous states of disrepair or any condition. Typically, their goal is to flip it and eventually generate revenue from the sale. 

You might find them on some flyers on telephone poles or signs that read “We Buy Houses.” But though they are a legitimate part of the real estate market, many scammers use them to rip off hard-working people out of their money and houses. Nearly anybody can disguise and make an offer on the houses since there’s no license required. 

As such, it’s essential to be aware of how this type of buying process should look like so you can detect a fraudulent cash buyer. To ensure a safe home sale transaction, we’ve enumerated below the indicators of “We Buy Houses” rip-offs every seller has to know. 

Hefty Processing or Administration Fees

One of the indicators of a “We Buy Houses” rip-off is the movement of financial transactions. The money should always flow in the seller’s direction and never towards the buyer. So, it’s a great warning if the buyer asks you to give them money, whether as a processing fee or administration fee. 

Such scammers can often get desperate sellers to pay up in a short period. But once they get the money, they will be gone and onto the next sitting target. Remember that you’re not paying to sell the house unless you’re putting it through a traditional listing.

Eagerness To Buy The House Sight Unseen

Another sign of a scam buyer is their eagerness to buy the house sight unseen. A legitimate real estate investor or cash buyer needs information before making an offer. Even if they buy run-down houses, they still want to see the property and collect the necessary details to make a sound decision. 

Only a fake buyer will close a deal without knowing anything about your property. If they’re too eager to get you to sign and accept the offer right away, they are most probably up to something. Keep in mind that a reliable investor or buyer will give you time to think and ask questions before committing to anything. 

Unprofessional Behavior

There’s always something off with a scam buyer if you know what to watch out for exactly. Any extreme behavior is a clue you’re talking to a scammer. But one of the common “We Buy Houses” rip-offs is a contract bait and switch. When the buyer tells you to write up the verbal agreement you reached but present a different one, it’s a massive red flag. 

A legitimate real investor or cash buyer won’t keep you waiting for too long. They may want to see the house and consider some factors before coming up with an offer, but they won’t delay it. If they’re likely to purchase your home, they might offer you a deposit as a sign of good faith. But if they don’t want the house, they will tell you upfront and move on. 

But a scam buyer won’t be frank with you and may lock up your home under contract without putting up any money. They may even trick you into transferring the deed of sale to them while the mortgage remains in your name. If they send some other people to check your house, it’s another unprofessional behavior you should be concerned about. 

Questionable and Unverified References

Every response you get from the buyer is an opportunity to determine whether or not they are telling the truth. A reputable “We Buy Houses” company is more than willing to give you the details you need to make you feel assured. The scammers might do the same, but the references they might provide are questionable and unverified.

If you cannot search the company’s name, address, and website, they most likely don’t exist. Never be afraid to get more information that you think is necessary. If they withhold the answers, they are probably hiding something. Note that the more information you can verify, the more you can ensure their credibility. 

No State-Regulated Documentation

A legitimate one must have documentation to prove that they are reputable to do this type of business. Most of them also have at least a background in real estate and certification that designates training and knowledge of state and federal regulations.

But a scammer might not have any state-regulated documentation. Bear in mind that if the buyer doesn’t have proof to back up their financial claim, it can be a sign that they are not credible in doing business with you. 

Connect With A Reputable Home Buyer

House buying scams are everywhere. But there are still many legitimate “We Buy Houses” companies that can and will buy your house. While you have an idea of what to watch out for in a buyer, remember that scammers are so subtle in what they do that it can be hard to detect them. Always do your research before you make a transaction with anyone.

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About The Author

Belinda is a 42-year-old married mother of three who lives in Naples, Florida. While staying at home to raise her children, she began to write articles and blogs for various outlets. She was raised in a strict, Christian home, but has since found more peace with a more spiritual approach to life and health. A strong believer in natural and alternative medicine, energy healing, and total wellness, she stumbled on the health benefits of orgasm quite by accident. Since then, she has often written pieces that help inform others about the benefits she discovered. Belinda also enjoys taking care of her home and family, and often jokes that she is a bit of a Stepford wife… with a wild side. In her free time, she loves to spend time at the beach with her family, host parties and BBQ’s, and work outside in one of her many flower gardens.
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