4 KEYS TO FINDING A GOOD DEAL ON A HOME

Everyone wants to get a great deal on a new home, including the potential seller. Here are 4 things to help make sure your next deal works out in your favour:

[Find The Right Lender]

Finding your home sweet home is a process that begins with knowing your credit score, finding a lender, and getting pre-approved for a mortgage. One surefire way to ensure your credit score is acceptable is maintaining a low debt balance. Getting pre-approved for a mortgage puts you at an advantage because it means that the lender is confident you can make the necessary payments. Use your realtor as a resource to establish what your loan options are and then connect with a lender that fits you. Check out our Mortgage Pre-Approval Form here

[Think About Resale Value]

Once you find a potential home, it’s crucial that you play detective―Nancy Drew style. Appraise, investigate, and look for red flags. Is there wood in the living room that’s starting to rot? Are the railings on the porch or the stairs a little bit wobbly? Note these things so they can be fixed before you move in. If not, you may be stuck cleaning out the gutters on day one. It’s also a good idea to ask for an inspection on the house just in case there are any issues that only a professional could see. Always keep in mind the home’s resale value, because the resale value of your first home can predict what kind of house you can buy the next time around. Not sure how much home you can afford? Check out our our online Mortgage Calculator here

[Know The State Of The Market]

The real estate market is constantly changing. Sometimes the market will be working in your favour (a buyer’s market), and sometimes it won’t (a seller’s market). Depending on the state of the market, the bang you can get for your buck will differ. In a buyer’s market, it’s likely that you’ll be able to get a great deal on a home. In a seller’s market, that same home may be well out of your price range. Use your agent as a resource and know what your ideal home is worth in the current market before you start taking walking tours.

[Negotiate]

If reading the word “negotiation” makes your stomach turn, you’re not alone. Placing an offer on a house can be stressful, but don’t sweat it. Know that sellers are under just as much pressure―especially in a buyer’s market. Negotiating in a buyer’s market will be easier because you have the power. Sellers are much more likely to accept low offers, especially if there’s a time crunch. In a seller’s market, negotiating may be harder as sellers probably have the upper hand. In this situation, your offer shouldn’t be much under the asking price. And no matter how much you want to, don’t ask to keep their furniture or other personal items. Since there are more buyers than sellers in this situation, you’ll want to be ready to make decisions quickly.

Negotiation is essential, but don’t worry if you’re not the sweet-talking, persuasive type―that’s what your realtor is for. As difficult as it sounds to get a good deal on a home, it is 100% doable. As long as you work with your agent and lender, diligently prepare for every situation, and know the market, you’ll be putting your key in the door to your new place in no time.

Want to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible? Contact the Local Experts today!

Century 21 - Request Realty Inc. Brokerage

5135 Tecumseh Rd. E.

Windsor, Ontario

519.944.2121

info@requestrealty.com