Posts with tag 'First-time buyers'

So you've sorted through the many South Bend homes for sale, found the perfect one, and your offer was accepted. You've got your financing in order and are anxiously anticipating your closing date. Congratulations! Your final walk-through and the closing are now the only steps standing between you and homeownership. 

While the final walk-through might seem like a formality, it's actually very important. This is your last opportunity to ensure that any agreed-upon repairs have been completed as expected and there are no changes to the home since the last time you saw it. These five tips from our real estate agents will make the process easier and help ensure you don't miss a thing. 

1. Gather Up Your Essentials
   Before you head over to the walk-through, take a minute and gather up all of the items you might need. These include a copy of your contract, your inspection summary, and your smartphone.
   
   You might need to reference your contract or inspection documents if something doesn't seem right. Your smartphone will be invaluable if you need to take photos to document an issue. Most importantly, make sure your real estate agent comes with you. They've likely done this hundreds of times and can act as a second set of eyes to ensure you don't miss anything. 

   Click Here to Read More...

When buying a home, the seller should disclose any problems or information that would otherwise make you reconsider purchasing their home. But sometimes these things are only revealed after a home inspection.

Don't let a home inspection discourage you entirely from purchasing a home, though. Our real estate agents have been on both ends of home inspection issues and have a few tips and tricks for helping you work through them with the seller.

• Get It in Writing
  Before you get too far, make sure that your contract has provisions for what happens if something goes awry during the home inspection. In most cases, basic contracts have wording that allows you as the buyer to request or schedule a home inspection within a number of days from the contract being signed. 
  
  Unfortunately, that's where most of it ends and there is very little detail outlining what happens or who is responsible for repairs if something is found to be unsatisfactory. At this point, it's up to you to negotiate with the seller to find a fair and equitable solution, or, better yet, leave this part to your real estate agent to negotiate on your behalf.

  Click Here to Read More...

Student loan debt is a growing problem, and for many Americans thinking about buying their first home, the weight of that debt can be crushing. We believe that owning a home should be possible for anyone, and our real estate agents are here to help. 

According to a recent report by Forbes, student loan debt is at an all-time high in 2019, with 44.7 million U.S. borrowers collectively owing $1.56 trillion in student loan debt. If you're one of them, that debt can feel like an impenetrable barrier between you and your dream of becoming a homeowner. Here's why it's not. 

Getting a Mortgage With Student Loan Debt

Student debt is especially a problem for first-time home buyers, who tend to be younger and less experienced. Many student debt holders cite their debt as a major reason for putting off buying a home, despite today's historically low mortgage rates and the variety of low to no down payment mortgage options available. 

Click Here to Read More...

The house looks nice and the price is right. It's close to work and schools. But is the neighborhood where it's located safe? This is one of the most important considerations to make when buying a house. It's not only important for your own well being, but also for your home's potential resale value. So how can you tell if the neighborhood is safe? Here are a number of ways.

1. Walk the neighborhood at different times of day and night. Talk to neighbors to find out the history of the house and neighborhood. Chat up people in nearby businesses and other parts of town and ask opinions of the neighborhood. Exploring the neighborhood on foot allows you to notice things you wouldn't in a car, such as barking dog or neighbors playing drums.

   Click Here to Read More...

No matter how cold it gets outside, our real estate agents are here to help you find the perfect Indiana home for you. Our team works in rain, shine, or even the Indiana snow.

That said, it's important to recognize that Indiana winters can be fierce. Especially if you're new to the state, it's vital to prepare your home well in advance.

Of course, our winters in Indiana aren't the worst. No matter where you're from, you'll soon get the hang of things. All you need to do is get the right information in front of you early on.

Yes, some parts of Indiana can have major winter storms. Most trouble in the cold season isn't caused by heavy snow; however, it comes about as a result of putting off preparations.

Here's how you can get your home ready and keep it comfortable all winter long.

1. Use Natural Light to Get a Head Start on Heating
   The sun remains the most energy efficient heater around. Even in the dead of winter, most days will have some sun. Part the curtains, raise the blinds and open the shutters to let heat in during the day. Then, close windows up tight and cover them to keep the heat from escaping overnight.

   Click Here to Read More...