Buyers: Be Prepared to Strike

Here’s why all homebuyers in today’s market need to be prepared.

There are a variety of opportunities in the Central Pennsylvania real estate market for both buyers and sellers.

If you're a prospective buyer click here for a full home search, or if you're considering placing your home on the market, get a free home value report, right here.

Although lending rules have eased up over the past three years, lenders still have the recent recession on their minds. Your mortgage loan officer may ask you for more documents and information.

Keep good records of your checking, savings, and investment accounts. If you have any unusually large transaction, whether it is a sale or purchase, be prepared to explain it. An unusually large transaction is normally classified as a transaction that is bigger than one of your regular paychecks.

For example, if your normal paycheck is $2,078 every two weeks and you suddenly have a deposit of $4,800 from the sale of a motorcycle, then you need to be prepared to show documentation for the sale. If you have changed jobs, you may have to give details of the benefits package or potential commission to explain why the new job was a better option for you.

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Sellers are in the driver’s seat for negotiations.

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Once you are pre-approved for a mortgage and your real estate agent firmly understands your needs, be ready to make an offer on a home. We are currently in the midst of a seller’s market. This means that the number of people attempting to buy a home far outnumbers the available homes for sale. This puts the seller in the driver’s seat of the negotiations.

If your agent calls and states that they have something for you, don’t make an appointment for four days later. Adjust your schedule and look at the home as soon as you can. The quicker you see the home and find out what the seller is looking for in the way of a contract, the quicker you can act.  

If you are considering purchasing a home, take advantage of a buyer specialist. Our team is waiting to assist you with your home purchase goals. Email info@joydaniels.com or call (717) 695-3177 if you have any questions at all. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Visit Your Potential New Home Before Buying

Here’s why you should be visiting a home multiple times before buying it.

There are a variety of opportunities in the Central Pennsylvania real estate market for both buyers and sellers.

If you're a prospective buyer click here for a full home search, or if you're considering placing your home on the market, get a free home value report, right here.

Many would-be homeowners only visit their potential new home right after work or on a Sunday afternoon, and they often make a quick decision about the house and neighborhood. However, there is a better way to investigate a home. You should take time to visit a potential home in the morning, late at night, and at various times on the weekend. Take note of what you see, and keep an eye out for the following items:

• Children playing in the yard

• People working on projects outside

• The number of cars parked on the street

• The level of noise

• People congregating at a particular home

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Be sure that what you want and need are viable at your prospective property.

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All of these things can give you a better feel for your neighborhood and indicate if it’s a good fit for you. 

That leads me to my next point: The location of your home is often just as important as the home itself. Do some research online about the area and investigate the presence of various shopping options for food, clothes, and fuel for your car. 

Finally, look at the entertainment options in the area. Maybe you’re the kind of person who enjoys losing themselves in a lavish museum or expansive library. Maybe you'd like to meet friends at a nearby pub for happy hour. Whatever your preference, be sure that what you want and need are viable at your prospective property.

If you have any questions about buying a home, selling a home, or real estate in general, don’t hesitate to reach out via phone at 717-695-3177 or email at info@joydaniels.com. I look forward to hearing from you soon.