Owning a home may be your dream, but in order for your purchase to be the happy and satisfying experience it was meant to be, it's important to take stock of all the responsibilities that come with it.
You need a good agent who listens to your needs and finds the right listings. Our real estate team is dedicated to helping you find the right home, at the best price. When you work with a Senné associate to find your first home, we want to know what you want and what you can afford. Then we'll find a way to merge these two priorities and find properties that you'll enjoy owning.
Keep your objectives in mind when touring a property. Sometimes the idea of owning a home can overwhelm your practical sensibilities. Keep a list of the features that you need and want in a home, and judge each property by the list instead of by details that could distract you from your goal. When you're alone with your agent, you can go over the pros and cons of each home. Our associates will help you stay on track while still keeping an eye out for great properties.
A good real estate lawyer is an excellent idea for all homebuyers, not just for first-timers. We can recommend several lawyers in the area who might be a good fit for you. The legalities of transferring land ownership can be tough to navigate, and a lawyer can be your best defense against future legal troubles. A good lawyer can charge several hundred to over a thousand dollars for their services, but the thousands of dollars saved in legal fees later on will make this expense worth your while.
Making an offer is not as simple as it sounds. This can be a maze of "buyer", "seller", "chattels", "deposit", and "completion.” A Senné associate will prepare the paperwork and go through it with you before submitting it. Remember, the seller may reject or counter your offer, so even at this late date, it’s not guaranteed. You may have to write a deposit check to the seller's broker to prove the seriousness of your offer.
A home inspector will check for signs of harmful materials like asbestos, lead paint and mold. They'll also check for evidence of pests, faulty wiring and leaks. This is a crucial part of the home purchase. Without an official inspection, you could be stuck in a home with a bad case of black mold and no recourse other than to pay for its removal. Inspections will cost a few hundred dollars but are more than worth it in the end. There are several inspectors in the area that we highly recommend.
Do a final walk-through before closing the deal. A Senné associate will be happy to do this with you to make sure that everything agreed upon is completed prior to the final signing.
From the first interview that determines your requirements to the moment that you receive the keys, Senné is there for you. We can help with the complicated process of buying a home. Don't hesitate to contact us to find out more about how we can make the home buying process enjoyable and stress-free.