Buying a New Home? Get to Know Your New Neighborhood by Doing an Online Search

When shopping for a new home in an unfamiliar area, potential t can provide you with a general overview of what you need to know about the neighborhood, you should do your own research before making a decision.

However, you don't need to stroll arhome buyers usually want to know what the neighborhood is really like. While your real estate agenound the area and ask every stranger you meet about what it's like to live there. You can learn everything you need without leaving the comforts of your own home. How do you do it? Through the power of the internet! Here are some useful sites that may help you get all the information that you need.

My Local Crime

Would it be safe to live in your chosen neighborhood? Are there certain areas that should be avoided after dark? Since you need to ensure your family's safety and security at all times, consider using this website to know what crimes took place in the area and where those crimes were committed. Just type in the address of the house you are thinking about buying and you will get an index of all the crimes committed in the neighborhood.

Greatschools.org

Moving in to a new neighborhood that offers good quality education would be a definite plus, especially if you have school age children, right? If this is one of your primary concerns, use the Greatschools.org website to find useful information and reviews.

Walk Score and Bike Score

Do you want to know how easy it is to get around on foot or on a bike to the nearest grocery, coffee shop, or park in your chosen neighborhood? If you do, you'll find everything you need to know by visiting these websites.

You can also use other websites such as Transit Score to check the area's accessibility to public transport, Yelp to discover new restaurants and Moviefone to discover nearby theatres, and Gravy to get a list of the local events.

For more valuable tips on selling or buying a home, please visit my site at http://www.pamsantoro.bhhsgeorgia.com/. You can also contact me at 678-656-6627 if you have any questions about local market conditions, financing or anything that can help you with in your search for real estate. 

Plus, join us at the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce Business Expo on March 11, 2016.

Click on the flyer at right to view video promotion of this upcoming event!

Photo courtesy of jannoon028 at freedigitalphotos.net

Understanding the Role of an Appraiser in the Home Buying Process

The appraiser plays a very important role in the home buying process. Basically, he or she is tasked to determine the current value of a property by carefully examining the exterior and interior condition of the home, evaluating the amenities and taking note of any health and/or safety code violations. In addition, the appraiser also evaluates the current real estate market in the neighborhood to help determine the real value of the property.

Understanding the Hiring and Payment Process

As a rule, the lender or financing organization chooses a qualified appraiser from a list of reputable appraisers they have hired in the past. Since it is in their interest to get a good appraisal, you can be sure that the chosen appraiser will have all the necessary qualifications (state license, membership in a professional organization, and other certifications) required to do their job.

As to the question of who will pay the appraiser, it is customary that whoever takes out the loan will be responsible for paying for the appraisal of the property, unless specified otherwise. In some cases, the seller may pay for the appraisal just to back his asking price.

The appraisal fee is usually affected by the size, value, and location of the property, and may range anywhere from $300 to $600. If the buyer is paying, it will usually be included in the closing costs.

What are the Benefits of a Home Appraisal?

A home appraisal can provide you with an objective, third party opinion of a property’s current market value, and help you make a more informed offer to purchase. With a properly conducted home appraisal, you can be sure that you are not spending more than what you should for your next home. And that alone is worth the small price you have to pay.

For more valuable tips on selling or buying a home, please visit my site at http://www.pamsantoro.bhhsgeorgia.com/. You can also contact me at 678-656-6627 if you have any questions about local market conditions, financing or anything that can help you with in your search for real estate. Remember, no one sells a home like a Mom!

Photo courtesy of stockimages at freedigitalphotos.net 

Buying a House? 3 Costly Emotional Mistakes to Avoid

For most home buyers, buying a house can be an overly emotional experience. While this cannot be avoided, it becomes a major problem when buyers allow their feelings to cloud their judgement. Don't fall into the same trap. You can avoid overpaying for your dream home by knowing how to deal with the most common emotional mistakes home buyers usually make.

Common Emotional Mistakes When Buying a Home

Falling in love at first sight

When buying a home, do your best not to fall in love at first sight since this can be your downfall. Some buyers often overlook the flaws or overextend themselves financially just because they get so infatuated with the property the moment they see it. Get a hold of your emotions, practice due diligence and make sure you have the strength to walk away, if needed. Keep in mind that buying a home is one of life’s biggest investments, so treat it accordingly.   

Believing that a short sale is a good deal

Some people think that buying a short sale or a foreclosure can give them more value for their money when in reality, it can be the exact opposite. To reduce your chances of committing this costly mistake, consider working with a professional who has an extensive knowledge of the local market.

Not negotiating realistically

All home buyers are looking for the best deal they can get but keep in mind that there is a world of difference between negotiating and lowballing. If you want to increase your chances of getting your dream home, make a realistic bid. A lowball offer can only annoy the sellers and increase your chances of getting your bid rejected and losing the property.

For more valuable tips on selling or buying a home, please visit my site at http://www.pamsantoro.bhhsgeorgia.com/. You can also contact me at 678-656-6627 if you have any questions about local market conditions, financing or anything that can help you with in your search for real estate. Remember, no one sells a home like a Mom!

Photo courtesy of fantasista at freedigitalphotos.net