Do you Dream of Buying Your Own Home? 

Decide on the Communities and Locations: Location, location, location, It’s impossible to predict the future of your chosen neighborhood, but paying attention to the information that is available now can be helpful to avoid unpleasant surprises down the road. Consider the accessibility, appearance, and amenities of a neighborhood as well as plans for development. Besides local amenities such as restaurants, grocery stores, and entertainment areas, take in to consideration your commute to work and schools in your area if you have or planning to have children.  

Include everything on your wish list but keep in mind, first-time homebuyers often have to compromise on something because their funds are limited. Look beyond the unsightly wallpaper, carpet and paint for a while in exchange for getting into a house that you can afford. If the house meets your needs in terms of the big things that are difficult to change, such as location and size, don’t let small imperfections turn you away. Doing home upgrades yourself, even if you need to hire a contractor, is often cheaper than paying the increased home value to a seller who has already done the work for you.

Offer With Confidence and Clarity: Minor upgrades and cosmetic fixes are inexpensive tricks that play on your emotions and elicit a much higher price. First-time buyers should look for a house they can add value to; this ensures a rise in equity. If you’re on a budget look for homes whose full potential has not yet been realized. Birch Real Estate Agents have the knowledge of the area, market and comparable pricing to assist you in your negotiations.  

Inspections: A home inspection is important and can be used as a contingency in your contract with the seller. It is an important part of the process where a third party professional makes sure everything in the house is functioning properly and identifies needed repairs.  Maybe there is roof damage or a termite infestation that isn’t immediately visible, and cost the buyer thousands of dollars in repairs later on. An inspection ensures that there aren’t any unwanted surprises, and the buyer can know exactly what they’re getting.

Survey: Most mortgage companies require a property survey to make sure the property is worth the amount of money they're providing in the loan. The survey will also document the location of all structures and utility easements in relation to the property lines. In order to successfully dispute a property line disagreement or get a permit to install a new structure, such as a pool, fence, or shed, a survey certified to the current property owner is needed. 

Close and Enjoy Your New Home Knowing You Made a Great Choice: A home purchase is one of the most significant financial transactions most people will ever make. At Birch Real Estate Services we will educate you through the process to reduce stress and ensure a smooth closing, We look forward to helping you achieve home ownership!