1) – Not Being Pre-Qualified For Financing Before Looking
When you start to look, it is important that you know how much you can comfortably spend on a home. Getting pre-qualified for financing will lock down your price range and help prevent you from being turned down after falling in love with a home. It will also save you the strain of having to find a lender within a few days of conditionally buying a home. In times of fluctuating interest rates it would benefit you to lock in a lower rate. This could save you thousands of dollars if the rate increases while you are in the process of buying.
2) - Failing To Seek Out The Services Of a Real Estate Agent
Many Buyers are unaware of the fact that in almost every case they are not responsible for paying the agent’s fees; the agent is being paid a commission from the seller. It is always best to seek out an experienced real estate agent that can use their information regarding recently listed and sold properties to get you the lowest price possible.
3) - Failing To Know Research The Market Before Making Your Offer
Have your agent prepare all the area sales and comparables in your area and get a copy to look over before you make your offer. This will help ensure that you do not overpay what the home is really worth. In most cases, this is the same type of information that the seller saw when setting the price of their home.
4) - Not Being Informed Of Your Rights & Obligations During Your Offer To Purchase
It is of the utmost importance to be aware of your rights and what to expect from a competent real estate agent. A small mistake in a condition or clause could end up costing you time and money, or in some cases even void your contract.
5) – Not Understanding The Common Negotiating Methods Used At Offer Time
Some buyers have been told that the best way to get a good price is to low-ball the seller from the start in hopes that the seller will drop their price down fast in their counter offer. In reality this often does nothing more than upset the seller and will probably end up ruining the chance at an acceptable offer to both of the parties involved. Have good communication with your agent, and they will be able to inform you on the many proper ways to negotiate a deal and still get you the lowest price.
6) - Failing To Use Home Inspection Company
Buying your home often times the most important investment and financial transaction that you will ever make. A home inspection can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars and unexpected problems down the road. In addition to the inspection, it is often a good idea to request some type of Home Warranty to cover the electrical appliances that come with the home.
7) - Letting Your Emotions Cloud Your Judgment
Buying a home is an important and exhilarating process! It is important not to let your emotions get the best of you and cloud your judgment of whether you can really afford to make the payments comfortably, and so on. Be sure not to get so excited that you get in over your head.
Residential Properties
An Important Note for Buyers
Many times Real Estate buyers avoid using the services of a REALTOR under the mistaken belief that it costs them money - or that they will be able to negotiate a better deal directly with the seller or seller's real estate agent. This can be an expensive mistake when buying a Home. If you are negotiating directly with the seller or seller's real estate agent, you may not be taking advantage of the best value available in the market today! You can have your own REALTOR, a Buyer Broker or Buyers Agent, who is committed to using the experience gained through many successful Houston real estate negotiations for your benefit at no charge to you!
When viewing homes for sale, it is important for homebuyers to know and understand for whom the agent helping with the house hunting is actually working. The agent may be working as a sub agent - representing the seller's best interests during negotiations - or as your agent representing your best interests during negotiations. If you are not sure who your agent is working for - ask for clarification. Realtors must fully explain agency. When negotiations commence, wouldn't you want to know whether information you divulge will be used for the seller's benefit - or your's?
The contract you sign to buy or sell a property is a complex and legally binding document. An improperly written contract can allow the purchaser or seller to void the sale, or cost you thousands of unnecessary dollars. Have an experienced Realtor who knows the "ins and outs" fully explain the contract you are about to sign to you, or have your lawyer review it before acceptance.
-
Amerites, LLC
4544 Post Oak Place Dr., Suite #148
Houston, Texas 77027
Tel: (713) 877-9000
Fax: (866) 599-9032
Email: info@amerites.com
Real Estate Broker: TX Broker Lic. 0541360
Mortgage Broker: TX Broker Lic. 58834 & 78468
General Line Insurance (P & C) Broker: TX Broker Lic. 1344546
-
General Line Insurance (L,A,H) Broker: TX Broker Lic. 1344546