Real Estate Buyer FAQs

Homeownership is a common goal shared by many in the United States. Buying a home may be one of the biggest investments we make in life and is a rewarding accomplishment! Although many share the dream of owning a home, it's common for most people to be scared about following through the process. This is due to the homebuying process feeling intimidating or overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be! Working with the right real estate agent will make the process go smooth and easy. The expert agents at Choice Properties have answered your real estate buyer questions to help put your mind at ease.

Am I ready to be a homeowner?

The first step from taking the leap from being a renter to a homeowner is viewing your current financial status. Start by taking a financial inventory of your lifestyle, debts, and assets. Lenders look for those who hold a strong financial status and reliable job, as a mortgage loan must be paid on time. Another factor to consider is your credit score. Maintaining a good credit score will help you get the best loan and interest rate.

Is renting or buying a home better?

While renting and buying both have pros and cons, it simply comes down to what a person wants when buying a house. Many look at this opportunity as an investment and take pride in homeownership. This allows you to build equity with monthly payments, while also qualifying for tax incentives to help offset new homeowner expenses.

What do I look for in a new home?

When starting your home search, start by gathering your thoughts by creating lists. Identifying what you are seeking in a home, whether it's more space or a large backyard. This will help set expectations within your home search. Ask yourself if the home you are interested in is large enough to fit your needs now and in the future.

How do I get a mortgage loan?

Before setting up appointments to tour homes, it's best to shop for a mortgage rate to understand your budget. In the pre-qualification phase, you are given an estimate of what you can borrow based on your financial status. To be pre-approved for a mortgage loan means a lender has agreed to offer you a specific amount.

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.

Benefits of Attending an Open House

With spring around the corner the housing market is about to be booming. Warmer weather brings the peak season of buying and selling a home. Browsing online listings is a great start and allows you to get an idea of what you're seeking in a home. However, browsing online only goes so far! Taking time to walk through houses and view details in person will help make your final decision easier. At Choice Properties, we update our open houses daily on our website. Your award-winning real estate agent will keep you updated on new homes within the area, ensuring your never miss an opportunity. Explore the benefits of attending an open house and start the journey of finding your dream home!

Stress Free Environment

Searching for a new home can feel overwhelming and stressful, especially to those new in the homebuying process. An open house gives buyers and opportunity to browse through the home in a stress free environment, allowing them to take their time with no pressure. Since no appointment is required for an open house, buyers are free to come-and-go as they please, taking things at their own pace.

Browse Neighborhoods

Open houses are a great way to browse various neighborhoods. Taking time to learn more about the neighborhood such as schools, volunteer work, local clubs and more will help you find your preferred atmosphere. Learning the types of homes and neighbors can help you develop a better understanding of what you want in a home.

Get Home Design Ideas

Another benefit of browsing an open house is to get inspired. Keep tabs on design trends and color palettes, and make note on potential layouts that catch the eye. This is a great time to see what you like and dislike in a home. Using this opportunity to explore different styles and layouts of homes prepares you for making a final decision on what you find appealing.

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 Things to Look for When Buying a Home

Shopping for a new house often comes with completing a checklist of amenities that suit your needs. Perhaps you are seeking more space for a growing family, a larger backyard, or simply a fresh start. This is an exciting time, but it's important to ensure your dream home doesn't come with stack of issues and repairs. Consider these 5 things to look for when buying a home to avoid a risk.

Damaged Roof

The first thing you should notice when looking at any home is the age and condition of the roof. When working with a trusted realtor, your agent should be able to guide you in the history and quality of the roof. When doing a visual check, be on the lookout for missing shingles, rusted flashing, moss, and any other spots that look concerning. A damaged roof puts your home at severe risk and could potentially damage in the interior and exterior.

Water Damage

Water damage is an expensive repair within a house. When touring potential homes to buy, keep your eyes open for signs of water damage. This includes:

• Check under sinks in kitchen and bathrooms while running all faucets.
• Check the basement or crawl space to see if there is a sump pump.
• Check the lawn for slopes, standing water, or water marks on the foundation.

Heating and Cooling

Having an air conditioner and heating system that works properly is important for your family. Ask questions, such as the age of the system, turn it on and off while listening to how it runs, and double check the filters. When walking outside, look for rust and dirt on the heating and cooling equipment. Although an inspector will test the appliances, it still doesn't hurt to see for yourself.

Foundation Faults

The foundation is the most important part of a house. When browsing homes, be sure to check for foundation faults by walking around the exterior, the crawlspace, or basement. A few signs of foundation damage includes:

• Cracks within the walls
• Uneven floors
• Rotten wood
• Tile cracks
• Doors out of square
• And more

Working Appliances and Electrical Outlets

Don't let cosmetic repairs distract you from other issues, especially in a kitchen with fresh paint and backsplash. Turn on all the appliances to confirm they properly work, run the dishwasher, and peek into the fridge. Checking appliances and electrical outlets gives you a piece of mind, and you can never be too cautious!

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.

Sell Your Home Fast With These Easy Updates

While preparing to list your home on a busy market, you may be wondering what repairs needs done to catch the eye of interested buyers. Big home improvements may not be necessary, but taking the time to focus on small updates will help you find a buyer in no time. To impress potential buyers, you should focus on five areas of your home. Sell your home fast with these easy updates:

Update Curb Appeal

Setting a good first impression of your home is the first step to helping it sell. Remove all clutter from the lawn and porch, like old shoes, dead plants or gardening tools. This is a great time to pressure wash your side walks and house, making it look brand new. Try hanging a new wreath or laying a new welcoming doormat by the door. Cleaning the walkway of debris and dirt will do wonders with minimal effort.

Create a Warm Welcome

Once an interested buyer has entered the home, it's important to continue the flow of cleanliness and simplicity. Entryways often consist of clutter from shoes, mail, or jackets. Clearing the space and adding baskets for mail and keys or hooks for jackets are easy updates. Adding simple art or a mirror adds a little flare to the space and keeps the area from feeling empty.

Update Your Kitchen

Kitchens are the focus point of any home. Although a full kitchen remodel isn't necessary, there are small updates that can be done to the space. Switching out cabinet hardware is one of the most common tricks in the books. This is a small task yet makes cabinets look new. Adding a tile backsplash or refreshing your grout in existing backsplash adds beautiful details.

Update Your Bathroom

Bathrooms can be a big seller point to a home buyer, where even a dated bathroom can benefit from small updates. Replacing the shower curtain can provide a color inspiration when making other changes, such as linens. Investing in a matching set of towels and a bathroom rug pulls the room together and creates a clean space. Lastly, consider replacing the mirror with a modern option that matches the faucets and counter.

Taking the time to tackle these small updates are great ways to boost selling your home. Welcoming potential buyers into a clean, updated space is the most important step and will have your home sold in no time.

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.