Buying or selling in the Carolinas?

How to find beautiful homes for sale in the Carolinas?

There’s nothing more exciting (and nerve wracking) than buying your first home. You’ve probably dreamed of this day for a long time and likely put aside some savings to make it happen. Finding beautiful homes for sale does not have to be a daunting process provided you consider the following tips:

Determine your budget

This is a serious consideration. Calculate your savings and earnings.  What are you willing to spend on a home purchase? Keep in mind that your budget should include closing costs, moving expenses, home buyer’s report (if you want one), agent’s commission and insurance. Buying a home is perhaps the biggest purchase you are ever going to make. Will you be able to survive financially if a big chunk of your salary is allocated towards a home purchase?

Write down what you’re looking for

Your decision to purchase a home is going to be governed by several variables such as proximity to work, number of bedrooms, type of neighborhood, home style, proximity to hospitals and schools, etc. All these variables are going to influence the price of the house. The cost of a home also varies from state to state, city to city. Depending on your employment and personal situation, are you willing to relocate to a city that has more affordable homes?

Hire an experienced real estate agent

Buying a home is more than simply selecting one and handing over money. There are many legal aspects to the process as well. A real estate agent can make the process of home buying very easy on a first time homebuyer. They will try to find something in your budget and according to the specifications that you have provided.  While you might be tempted to be your own agent just to save some money, consider that agents can be very helpful in the bargaining process as well.

Search the Internet

Many sellers list their homes on different real estate sites. These typically have vibrant pictures of the exterior and interior. This is a good place to start as it enables you to narrow down your search. In many cases you can email the seller directly if you have any queries. Your agent will likely have access to more real estate sites as well.

Attend home viewings

A home visit is the best way to get a feel for a property. It gives you a chance to walk around and take a closer look at the walls, the basement, the attic and the bathroom. Look closely for the presence of damp, mold, mildew and insect infestations. If you have any questions, feel free to ask the seller or agent who represents the house. If you notice something that is not to your liking, ask the agent if they’d be willing to come down on the listing price.

Purchasing a beautiful home for sale, especially for the first time,  can be an intimidating process, but if you start with a budget, determine what you’re looking for, hire a real estate agent, conduct your own search and attend home viewings, you will soon find the home of your dreams.