Whether you've spent years saving and preparing to buy a
home, or are unsure if you can afford it, the questions
surrounding a house purchase can feel endless. You can find
the answers - and peace of mind - by working with Team
Teasdale of RE/MAX Results Realty. Here are some tips to
help you: Hire Team Teasdale. The first step is to
select a professional to help you find your dream home and
fine-tune your financial expectations. Working with a buyer
agent is worth consideration since he or she is legally
responsible for representing the buyer's interest in a real
estate transaction.
Shop for mortgage rates and terms in
Utah County - A difference of even half a percentage
point can mean a huge savings over the life of a loan. For
example, the difference in the monthly payment on a $100,000
mortgage at 8 percent vs. 7.5 percent is about $35 per
month. Over 30 years, that's $12,600.
Prequalify for a loan in Utah County
- Your third step should be to get prequalified, which
determines how much you can afford. It allows you to move
swiftly when you find the right home, especially when there
are other interested buyers. It also indicates to the seller
that you are serious and really can afford to buy the
property in Utah County.
Define what you want - The
next step is to create a realistic idea of the property
you'd like to buy. What features are most important to you?
Make two lists: one of the items you can't live without and
one of the features you would enjoy. Refine the lists as you
house hunt. It is also helpful to search online to see what
is currently available on the market. Your real estate
professional can then show you houses that meet your
expectations.
Visit properties throughout Utah
County - Now you're ready to visit houses. Ask Team
Teasdale to arrange showings, and keep track of the
properties you've seen. Fill out our advanced search.
Know the features that help or hurt
resale - In some areas, a swimming pool actually
detracts from a home's value and makes it harder to sell. In
neighborhoods with two-car, attached garages, a single-car
or detached garage may impact the home sale and future
value. Team Teasdale can point out features that hurt or
help resale value.
Rate the houses you tour -
After touring each home, write down what you liked and
didn't like. Develop a rating system that will help narrow
the field down. For example, pick the house you like best on
day one and compare all other houses to it. When you find a
better one, use the new favorite as the standard.
Make an offer - Once you've
pinpointed your dream house here in Utah County, it's time
to get serious about the financial and contractual side of
the purchase. Team Teasdale will be a strong advantage since
you and the seller have different goals.
Arrange for a home inspection
- After your offer is accepted, set up a
home
inspection. It's common to find problems, including
leaky roofs, cracked walls, insect infestations and
foundation problems. Team Teasdale can help find a reputable
inspector, and will negotiate to get you the most for your
money once the inspector's report is final. If you negotiate
repairs as part of the purchase, ask for a "walk through"
before finalizing the paperwork. Ask Team Teasdale about
home protection plans, which may save you money in the near
future.
Close - Before your closing date, make sure you've
made all necessary deposits and completed the paperwork -
including mortgage, title, homeowners insurance and any
other paperwork required by the state of Utah.