Should You Sell Your Home Before Buying a New One?

Selling your home to relocate in a new neighborhood or house is a big step towards the next chapter in life. You may be wondering, should you sell your home before buying a new one? At Choice Properties, we never want you to go through the buying or selling process alone which is why our agents are with you every step of the way. The first step to deciding if you should sell your home before purchasing a new one is to look over your finances, your willingness to move twice, and the current market conditions. Creating a breakdown of the pros and cons of each scenario will help make the best decision for your family.

Selling Your Home First

Pros:

• You will receive extra cash for a downpayment
• No risk of owning two mortgage loans at once
• No pressure to lower the asking price to sell faster

Cons:

• May need to move your family twice
• Takes investment out of the real estate market
• Adds pressure to find a new home quickly

If you sell your home before buying a new one, there will most certainly be a gap of time ranging from days, weeks or months until you can move into the new, permanent space. Perhaps you are able to move into a rental that offers a monthly lease until you buy a new house. If you do decide to sell your home first, we suggest shopping for a new home immediately to get a head start in the buyers market.

Buy Your Home First

Pros:

• Will only have to move once
• No pressure in settling for a house you may not want

Cons:

• Pressure to sell quickly
• Financing may be hard to find

If you want to be assured of moving directly into your home without moving into a rental, then consider buying a home before moving. Most homeowners worry about financial obligations when buying a new home before selling their current, as two house payments can feel overwhelming for most. Creating a financial plan to implement can prepare you for buying a home before selling.

Choice Properties offers you a chance to find the home of your dreams. We work with your budget and ideas in mind to support your ultimate vision. Call us if you are ready to check out the available inventory or to speak with a reputable agent who can assist you with your home buying needs.

Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Your First Home

Making the decision to buy your first home is a rewarding emotion most Americans dream of experiencing. This new chapter in life should be a positive experience with learning curves along the way, and is worth investing time to research this new transition. It's important to not get wrapped up in the excitement of this big purchase, as the last thing you should worry about are small, yet frustrating mishaps. Avoid these mistakes when buying your first home to save yourself extra time and money.

Emptying Your Savings

If you are buying a previously-owned home, chances are you will need to make repairs and renovations. The last thing you should worry about it using all of your savings for a down payment or new furniture, leaving you with no safety net in a last minute emergency. Saving enough money for a down payment, closing costs and moving expenses while still having back-up money will bring a sense of peace knowing unavoidable repairs can be managed.

Only Getting One Loan Quote

Shopping for a mortgage loan is similar to that of a car or other large purchase, it pays to compare prices. Mortgage interest rates vary from lender to lender, along with added fees such as closing costs. Applying with multiple mortgage lenders will help you get a sense of prices throughout the area, where you can then choose the lender you are most comfortable with.

Not Checking Your Credit

Taking time to focus on your credit is a key point when buying a home. Mortgage lenders will scrutinize your credit history when making the decision of approving your loan and at what interest rate. If your credit report contains errors, you risk a chance of being quoted an insurance rate higher than you deserve.

Miscalculating Repair and Renovation Costs

It's common for first time homebuyers to feel overwhelmed with repairs and renovations a house may need. Just as you shop and compare rates from mortgage lenders, one should do the same when hiring a contractor. It's important to seek more than one estimate for extensive repairs, such as roof replacements or room add-ons.

Choice Properties offers you a chance to find the home of your dreams. We work with your budget and ideas in mind to support your ultimate vision. Call us if you are ready to check out the available inventory or to speak with a reputable agent who can assist you with your home buying needs.

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a Mortgage Loan

The vast majority of home buyers will need a mortgage loan to achieve their dream of homeownership. For new homeowners, this process may feel overwhelming leaving you insure where to start. The experts at Choice Properties have shared the step-by-step guide to getting a mortgage loan, preparing you for what lies ahead.

Shop for a Mortgage

Just like shopping for homes, you should also shop for a mortgage loan rather than settling! All lenders offer different options, so it's important to research those with various interest rates, closing costs, and more. Completing this step will help you pinpoint any concerns lenders might have with your application, giving you time to fix the flaws leaving you an ideal match when it's time to make an offer on your dream home.

Get Pre-Approved

The goal of meeting with a mortgage lender is to get pre-approved for a loan. During this process the lender will go through your financial past, focusing on your income, debts, credit history, and other factors that influence a loan to determine how much money you can borrow. It is highly recommended to be pre-approved for a mortgage loan, as this shows sellers you have the financial backup to make a purchase. To apply for pre-approval, you will need:

• Two years of federal tax returns
• Pay stubs from the past 30 days
• Quarterly statement of your asset accounts
• Any other current real estate holdings
• Residential history of the past 2 years
• Proof of funds for a downpayment

Close the Deal

After purchasing a home and signing a sales contract, it's time to close the deal! When buying a home you "take title" of the property, meaning you are the full owner. Once you prove to the lender you now have the title, you then meet one final time for closing paperwork. This is where the buyer, seller, a lender representative, and any others involved will meet to sign all the paperwork, transfer all money owed, and hand you the keys to your new home.

Choice Properties understands your needs and desires when it comes to the home search. We are here to help you define what you want, seek the best property and move forward feeling educated and able to make good decisions throughout the process. You can trust us to help you navigate it with the best real estate agents working for you. Call us to get started on your dream home search today.

5 Home Selling Hacks for Fast Results

Selling your home may feel like a stressful time, but it doesn't have to be! The award-winning agents at Choice Properties are ready to help you sell and prepare for the next adventure in life. However, there are a few tips and tricks that will help boost the perceived value of a home to a prospective buyer. Consider trying these 5 home selling hacks when staging a home for fast results, and leave your agent to handle the hard work.

Express Statement Pieces

Potential buyers viewing your home should be welcomed to a clean, open space. Avoid clutter by packing up small nick-nacks around the house and only leave statement pieces behind, such as a couch and dining room table. This gives the buyer a chance to envision the space with their own personal items, making them more inclined to be interested.

Maximize Space With A Mirror

Perhaps the easiest trick to making a room look bigger is to hang a mirror. Place the mirror on the opposite wall you want it to reflect. For example, hanging a mirror on the opposite wall of a window will bring more greenery and natural light into the space. This hack is perfect for smaller rooms you wish to feel bigger.

Lighting Matters

Introducing proper lighting to a room can turn any space into a dreamy vision. Poor lighting instantly displeases buyers and is not worth the risk! Taking time to research the best lighting for poorly lit bathrooms and bedrooms is a simple way to bring a warm-feel to the room.

Make the Space Cozy

Be sure those viewing your home feel comfortable by leaving the thermostat on an appropriate setting for the temperature. The environment of the home is crucial, as most families enjoy a sense of feeling cozy in their space. The key is to bring a sense of coziness without being overbearing. Consider baking fresh cookies for guests to enjoy during open house, leaving buyers to feel welcomed and content.

Choice Properties understands your needs and desires when it comes to the home search. We are here to help you define what you want, seek the best property and move forward feeling educated and able to make good decisions throughout the process. You can trust us to help you navigate it with the best real estate agents working for you.

Call us to get started on your dream home search today.