Looking for the perfect home may be an experience of a life time. It may have its up and downs. Here are a couple of hints to keep the process is perspective.
Make a list of your needs and desires. A new home should have everything you need and most of what you desire.
- Begin your search early. Keep up to date on current market conditions and price trends, interest rates and loan programs.
- Know your limitations. Don't get involved with repairs and updates beyond your scope of experience and your budget.
- Gather a team you know you can rely upon. This will include a Real Estate Agent, a Lender and an Inspector.
Having worked with a number of Buyers, I have developed listening skills which allow me to review a number of properties and find those most likely to appeal to the buyers needs and desires. After reviewing hundreds of listings I can present a short list of homes to view. In most cases buyers have chosen one of these properties to become their new home.
Most Buyers receive free automatic E-mail updates from an automatic MLS search I customize for their needs for a period of 3 months to a year before they begin to actively look.
I counsel Buyers and teach them how to read specification sheets, to find information other Buyers wish they had known before they purchased a home. When my Buyers sit down to write an offer, they do it with confidence.
I keep Buyers informed on the latest market trends and teach them how to find Sellers most likely to offer the best deals. Buyers need to know how to use these trends and information to their advantage.
I work with Buyers and learn their needs. I offer information and guidance on finding the best loan for their individual circumstances. Finding the right loan is an important as finding the right home.
I work with a dedicated and professional team of Lenders and Inspectors, who I know will be available to answer questions and resolve situations during and after the sale period. I measure the professional attitude of the people I work with by their performance before, during and after a sale. I pass this knowledge on to the Buyers I work with.
Fulfilling all your Real Estate needs in Menomonee Falls, Milwaukee, Waukesha, and Washington County areas with the highest degree of expertise and technology.
Real Estate Market 2011
No matter what price range, or location you are searching for a home, condition is still a controlling factor.
I divide condition into three major groups, poor, average, and exceptional. This is true for every price range and location.
Homes is poor condition make up the majority of the market in the lower price range. Next the average homes will be priced at market value for the area. Exceptional homes will be at the upper level of the price range.
Buyers searching in the lower price range will find the majority of homes in need of varying degrees of repair. These usually have few, if any updates. The major concerns will be foundation, roof, heating and cooling systems. Buyers generally will be faced with choosing between which repairs they are willing to take on. Most likely buyers will need a 203K or other remodeling loan in which repairs can be made after purchasing. Finding a lower priced home will require a great deal of research, and personal viewings before an acceptable property is located. It is not uncommon for buyers to spend 6 months or more viewing homes before locating an acceptable home. This problem is further complicated given the fact, many of the homes listed have few if any pictures to view on the Internet.
Average homes are usually not priced on the lower end of the market, but often present a better value after taking into account the cost of repairs on a lower price homes. Average priced homes often feature 1 or 2 desirable updates. There are 6 major updates, roof, kitchen, bath, finished basement, heating and A/C systems, and windows. Homes priced at market value are generally in good shape and well maintained. This is a wise consideration, often representing savings in the overall picture.
Exceptional homes are priced on the upper range of the market. These homes often provide 3 or more major updates, and are very well maintained. These usually offer features and upgrades not found in lower priced homes, such as decks, patios, oversized garages, baths, and kitchens. Searching is a more enjoyable experience based on the fact these homes most likely feature more pictures, and usually do not disappoint when viewed. Buyers usually find a home that meets, or exceeds their expectations within a short amount of time.
