Lynette Selby Lynette Selby

Tips for Buying a Home Sight Unseen: How to Make the Process Manageable

Buying a home sight unseen? Find a trustworthy realtor who can provide virtual tours and vet properties for you. Involve a trusted friend to visit homes on your behalf. Stay positive and expect the unexpected. With the right support, you can find your dream home without physically seeing it.

Are you considering purchasing a home without seeing it in person first? While this may seem like a daunting task, it is becoming more and more common for buyers to purchase homes sight unseen. This can be due to a variety of reasons such as moving to a new state or city or not having the time to view homes before the move. Whatever your situation may be, there are ways to make the process more manageable.

The first step is to find a realtor in the area that you can trust. Let them know your situation and that you will need their help to vet potential properties for you. A good realtor will be able to provide you with virtual tours or schedule a call with you via FaceTime or another video app. This will help you feel like you are there in person and give you the chance to ask your realtor about any potential issues that may pose a problem in the future. You will also be able to see any features that you love, which will help you make your final decision.

Another great option is to have a family member or friend who lives in the area stop by a few open houses or take a tour with your realtor of any homes that you are interested in. It's a great idea to involve someone that you know and trust, to help spot any red flags or deal-breakers you should be made aware of before signing on the dotted line.

When the time comes for you to move in, be prepared for the unexpected. There will always be a few things that you didn't expect when you've purchased a home unseen. However, make the best out of the situation and stay positive. It really is possible to find your dream home, even if you can't see it before closing.

As a real estate agent, I have worked with several clients who have purchased homes sight unseen, and in each transaction, everything worked out very well. While there were definitely times when stress levels were high, I kept my buyers in the loop throughout the entire transaction. It is so important to make sure you have the right agent in your corner to represent you when purchasing a home, but especially when you are purchasing a home sight unseen.

In summary, purchasing a home sight unseen may seem overwhelming, but with the right preparation and a trustworthy realtor by your side, it can be a smooth and successful process. Remember to involve someone you trust to help you spot any potential issues and keep a positive mindset throughout the process. You never know, your dream home could be waiting for you just around the corner.

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Lynette Selby Lynette Selby

Uncovering the Truth About Home-Buying Myths: What You Need to Know Before You Buy

Buying a home can be one of the most significant investments of your life, and it's important to make informed decisions throughout the process. Unfortunately, there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding home buying that can lead you astray. These common myths can be particularly problematic for first-time homebuyers, who may not be familiar with the ins and outs of the process.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the most pervasive home-buying myths and debunk them once and for all. From the idea that you need a 20% down payment to the belief that you can't get a mortgage with bad credit, we'll set the record straight on these common misconceptions. So whether you're a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned veteran, read on to learn the truth about home buying and avoid falling victim to these myths!

Home buying can be an exciting but frightening experience. You may seek advice from friends and family who are homeowners, but beware, not all advice may be accurate. In this article, we will debunk some common home buying myths.

Myth #1:

The first step is looking for a house. Wrong! Before browsing homes, ensure that your credit is in good shape and get pre-approved for a mortgage. This determines your home budget.

Myth #2:

A 30-year mortgage is the best option. While monthly payments for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage are lower than its 15-year counterpart, you may end up paying more during the life of the loan. Consider other loan plans, including an adjustable-rate mortgage.

Myth #3:

Your down payment must be 20%. No. Many lenders approve loans with as low as 3.5% down, and there are several options for down payment assistance.

Myth #4:

The only up-front cost is a down payment. False. The seller might determine that you're responsible for closing costs, which can be anywhere from 3% to 6% of the purchase price. And don’t forget the fees, taxes, and other costs for inspections, credit reports, insurance, among others.

Myth #5:

You can’t buy with bad credit. If you’re looking to get a conventional loan, having bad credit may not work, but FHA loans require only a 3.5% down payment, and borrowers with low credit scores can qualify.

Myth #6:

You don’t need a home inspection. Don’t do it! Waiving a home inspection means getting the home as is, including any and all problems that come with it.

Myth #7:

The asking price is set in stone. False! The offer you make on a house does not need to be the asking price. If you have nice credit, pre-approval, and a down payment ready to go, sellers might be more willing to negotiate.

Myth #8:

You don’t need an agent. False! Let a trained professional handle the home buying process, from negotiating to finding the perfect home and completing all the contracts and paperwork.

Myth #9:

Schools don’t matter if you don’t have kids. False! The neighborhood you choose matters. Even if you don’t have children, good schools could be a sign of a good neighborhood.

In conclusion, do your research and consult professionals in the home buying process to avoid falling prey to these myths. Don't rush into making decisions and ensure that your choices align with your budget and long-term goals.

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