Monthly Archives: December 2017

12 12, 2017

7 Steps to Prepare You for Buying a House in 2018

2021-09-28T16:54:23+00:00December 12th, 2017|Blog, Uncategorized|

Now is the perfect time to “warm up” for the house hunt so you can be ready in the new year. The prep work is basically the same wherever you are looking.

  1. Check your credit score

The higher the score the better. FICO scores typically range from 300 to 850. If your score is 740 or above, you’ll get the best interest rate on a loan. A lower rate can lead to saving thousands of dollars in a year. If your score is less than this, start repairing it now. Start paying your bills on time, correct any errors that may be on your report, and get your credit limit raised. You should only use 30% or less of your total available credit and not max it out every month.

  1. Don’t open new credit cards

As tempting as it gets to open a new credit card to save at the checkout, resist! Opening a new card may hurt your chances of getting a mortgage or even getting the best rate on a loan. What could save you a few dollars right now, could cost you way more in the long run if your mortgage payments end up higher.

  1. Suggest financial gifts for the holidays

Along with a mortgage loan, you will need a considerable amount of cash to buy a house. There are closing costs, a down payment and moving costs. Also, you should set aside money for unexpected costs and repairs.

  1. Interview potential real estate agents

You owe it to yourself to show around for the perfect agent. Make sure they are not new or unaware of how to do a specific transaction. The end of the year is typically a slow time for agents, which can lead to them being more […]

7 12, 2017

Reasons to Buy a Home This Winter

2021-09-28T16:54:24+00:00December 7th, 2017|Blog|

Usually spring and summer are the prime seasons for anyone house hunting or selling. It is more common to shop when the weather is nice. However, there are very compelling reasons for going shopping for a house and moving in the winter as well. Here are some advantages that show the benefits from house hunting in the winter.

Fewer buyers to Compete With

Real estate wisdom says to shop in the spring and summer, which is what makes this the most obvious plus. As a result of this popular advice, there are less buyers in competition during the winter months. The low demand will work in your favor.

Prices are Lower

Just as economics teaches us, with fewer buyers in the market, supply will exceed demand. Typically, this causes prices to be lower than during the peak seasons.

Sellers are Motivated

With low activity in the winter being common, sellers are far more motivated to sell. Agents know that during the slow winter months sellers are more willing to negotiate. These negotiations can be on selling price, closing costs, closing date or even terms of the sale, even including household appliances and items are included in the sale.

Your Real Estate Agent Will Work Harder For you

Your realtor will give you undivided attention and work harder for your due to the low activity in the winter. Since there will be lower sales volumes, realtors try just a bit harder to negotiate a sale.

Don’t be discouraged if your circumstances lead you to house hunting in the winter. Remember that in the US it is still a great time to invest. So, grab your coat, brave the cold and get out there and find your future home.