Posts with tag 'For buyers'

Kitchen renovations can be expensive, so wise homeowners who are thinking about selling their homes someday choose upgrades that will stay in style for a reasonable number of years, rather than trendier changes that will look dated too soon. When you list your house among Augusta homes for sale, you are more likely to get a positive reaction from potential homebuyers if you keep renovations simple and understated.

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There's a lot to do when buying a home, and once the closing documents are signed and the keys are in your hand, you might think that the hard work is over. However, once you actually own your new home, there are still a few things you need to do to ensure the safety of your new space and to help your family get comfortable in your new digs. Here are a few things to do after you buy your home. 

1. Change the Locks and Security Codes
   Even if the previous homeowners seem like kind people, you don't know how many people potentially have access to your new home. One of the first things you need to do is change or rekey the locks. If you want to update the look of your home's locks, you can swap the old locks for new ones. However, if you like the look of the old looks or if you're on a budget, you can have the locks rekeyed. When you have a lock rekeyed, the locksmith will adjust the pins and springs so that it fits a different key. Make sure to also change any security codes that potentially provide access to your home, like garage, security system, or gate codes. 

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Deciding to buy a home can be daunting, but educating yourself about what's involved can help you understand what to expect. Our REALTORS® guide clients through the process every day and share some tips to make your home buying journey a breeze.  

Decide What You Want and Need

Think about what you'd like in a house today and in the future. Are you planning to have a family and want a big yard for kids and pets? Is a garage a requirement for you? Write down everything you want and need and start checking out your local real estate market online. It's important to look at the area as a whole—it's always a good idea to buy in a neighborhood where property values will most likely appreciate.

Get Your Finances In Order

First, you'll need to save for a down payment. Generally, a down payment should be about 20 percent, but can be as low as 10, 5 or even 0 percent for certain types of mortgages like FHA and VA loans. When you feel confident that you've saved enough, check your credit. Annual Credit Report.com offers a free yearly credit report from the three major reporting agencies, Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian. Making sure your credit is in order can help to ensure you get a decent interest rate. 

Also, get pre-approved by a lender before you start looking at Augusta homes for sale. To do a pre-approval, lenders will review your credit report, income, and other finances. They will then issue a letter stating the amount for which you've been pre-approved. Keep in mind that pre-approval is not the same thing as being approved for a mortgage loan. When you're ready to do that, make sure you choose at least three with competitive rates.

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Exciting thoughts of settling into your new home can distract you from the details you need to focus on during the final walk-through. While most major problems will be discovered during a home inspection, a final walk-through gives you a chance to go through the property once it's cleared out to verify that everything is in the condition you expect. 

To help you during the final walk-through of your home, Our real estate agents have prepared this easy to follow checklist for you to print off and follow as you go through the property.

Before the Walk-Through:

• Print a copy of your contract and inspection summary.
• Grab a notepad, your phone, phone charger, flashlight, & light bulb.
• Confirm time with your real estate agent. 

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When you were in school, a failing grade remained on your permanent record. Fortunately, as a home buyer, you don't need to despair if there less-than-favorable results on a home inspection report. 

Our real estate agents have extensive experience helping buyers understand and work through common problems uncovered by home inspection reports on Augusta homes for sale. Take these proactive steps before deciding the report is a deal-breaker.

• Include a Well-Written Inspection Clause
  Groundwork should be laid before the inspection even takes place. Many sale agreements provide latitude for a buyer to have an inspection completed, but there are no consequences for the seller. Make sure the home inspection clause includes recourse for a problematic report, such as renegotiating the price or walking away if you're not satisfied.

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