Buying a Home on the Jersey Shore
Considering that your home or property is most likely the biggest investment you’ll ever make, having long-term financial and lifestyle consequences, you’ll want to be sure you have the best help available to you.
If you are looking to buy real estate, consider the quality advice that comes from a well trained and experienced professional. Whether you are relocating from out of state or just moving to a new Jersey Shore neighborhood, only a REALTOR® will have the skills you really need. For example:
- My understanding of a multitude of funding options means you may be able to afford more than you thought you could.
- My understanding of local amenities, combined with my ability to assess your needs and wants, means you can easily find just the right home. I put in time to save you time, researching your needs and market availability so you can relax and enjoy the experience.
- I have access to a huge variety of listings, and won’t waste your time on homes that aren’t right for you.
- Having seen so many styles of homes in my career gives me insight into simple upgrades, changes or additions that can make an almost-perfect home just right.
- I can inform you about real estate values, taxes, utility and maintenance costs, municipal services and facilities, and I may be aware of proposed zoning changes that could affect your decision to buy.
- Unlike a private seller, I have no emotional connection to the homes I sell. This means I can be objective about any assets or detriments and willingly include this information when discussing the home with you.
- My understanding of the market and funding options means more opportunity for you. Plus I can let you know what information to bring with you when you apply for a loan.
- Because I will explain the what and why of things along the way, you don’t need to be intimidated by the sales process.
- My network of professional colleagues such as appraisers, home inspectors, mortgage lenders, contractors and insurance agents assures you get the best and most thorough service available.
Benefits of Home Ownership |
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Credit: Owning a home helps you establish financial credibility.Independence: Owning your own home provides you with independence and more privacy than renting. You are free to paint walls, plant flowers, keep pets and anything else within legal bounds.Investment: As you make more payments and own more of your home, you add to its investment value. Most improvements you make will also add to its value.Pride: A home reflects its owner’s values and lifestyle. Owning a home can provide you with a source of pride, enjoyment and satisfaction.Security: A home can provide security against inflation because the value of your home increases as prices go up. Stability: Tax Advantages: |
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Finding the Right Home |
Real Estate Agents You can sit down with a real estate agent and discuss your needs, type of area, style of home, amenities and everything you really want in your next home. Real estate agents can help you by accessing a Listing Service which covers all properties listed for sale within a specific area. Together, you can select the homes you would like to see, set appointments and preview homes in a short period of time. An agent can guide you through the entire process. Newspaper Ads/Internet Multiple Listing Service
When Previewing A Home
Have Fun |
Home Shopping Tips |
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Check For Properly Working Appliances/Fixtures: | |
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Ensure House Is Well-Built & Systems Are In Working Condition: | |
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Home Inspections |
What is an inspection? There are numerous types of inspections. An inspection is meant to evaluate, at minimum, the structural and mechanical condition of a property. It is not the same as an appraisal which evaluates the market value of a property. Persons involved in real estate transactions need unbiased information about the physical condition of property they plan to buy or sell and your contract should include a contingency that you obtain a satisfactory inspection report. Talk with your agent about the types of inspections available. Home Inspectors vs. Engineers Finding a qualified Inspector
Ask if she/he is a member of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). The ASHI has established standards of practice which include the specific services, limitations and exclusions that can be expected from private home inspectors. What the inspection, at minimum, includes
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Answers to Frequently Asked Questions |
What is the difference between “pre-qualified” and “pre-approved”? If you are “pre-qualified” you have determined, with a loan officer, what price you can afford based on the down payment, your debts and the amount the mortgage company will approve for your mortgage. Being “pre-qualified” is only a determination of your probable credit. If you are “pre-approved”, your credit, employment and funds have been approved by the lender. What are closing costs? What is a point? What is earnest money? What is title insurance? Is VA or FHA financing unfair to sellers? |