Navigating the world of real estate, especially for someone entering that world for the first time, can seem like an overwhelming task. List price. Buyer’s agent. Escrow. Due Diligence. Points. The vocabulary of terms can be daunting, alone. Factor in that purchasing a house is probably the biggest investment you will make and it's no wonder many people elect to rent rather than purchase. That said, when you make the decision to purchase real estate, I recommend you follow the lead of many of my smart home buyers who have gone before you. Here are three initial steps to take once you decide to enter the world of real estate.
Number One. Go online. With information at your fingertips 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year, smart home buyers go to reputable online real estate sites to do their initial research. Reputable online real estate sites offer up a wealth of knowledge, as long as you know where to look. This is not a comprehensive list but here are some solid websites that home buyers checked out prior to hiring me as their real estate agent. Each has a unique focus and perspective, and, together, all of them can give you information on the latest trending topics in real estate and answers to many of your initial questions as you seek to find your ideal house.
Zillow.com: There are other comparable real estate sites, but Zillow offers easy-to-access information on your current real estate market. In a few clicks, you can find out what's for sale in a particular area, view the real estate history of the home, search available and possible foreclosures, plus additional relative information on any homes you have an interest in pretty much anywhere in the country. Zillow can provide valuable data on median home values in your area of interest, coupled with many other valuable online tools to get you started in your home buying search. MyHome.FreddieMac.com: My Home by Freddie Mac has what-you-can-afford calculators, and current lending rates in the real estate market. The site also surveys lenders each week on the average rates, fees, and points for the most popular mortgage products. On this site, you can get up to speed with the financial vocabulary your mortgage lender uses as well as learn what documents your mortgage lender will require to prepare your loan package. Hud.gov: This US Housing and Urban Development website offers helpful links to loan information, home-buying programs, frequently asked questions and so much more. HGTV.com: HGTV has many shows and topics on all things real estate and it's an opportunity to learn from other people's experiences. No doubt, there's a show or possibly an entire series that falls in line with your particular interests or situation. From fixer uppers to dream homes and everything in between, there's a lot of information available to you.
Number TWO. Local Real Estate Company Websites & Blogs Once you have narrowed your home priorities and have defined areas of interest, it just makes sense to leave the national websites and channel your online energies more locally. I recommend that you visit local real estate companies' websites where you plan to buy. Local websites can give you unique insights on local matters like school systems, taxes and commutes, along with recommendations for identifying professionals to assist you throughout your home-buying process. Many real estate agents, like myself, have a dedicated blog section on their sites, which can offer up valuable information on the locale you're researching, current local trends, and area-specific topics you may be interested in. If you are looking to move to Emerald Isle or along the Crystal Coast, I recommend that you subscribe to my blog at www.EIHomesforSale.com. I add a new post every Wednesday on topics of local real estate interest.
Number Three. Get Offline and develop a trusting relationship with a knowledgeable real estate agent who is a LOCAL where you want to live. After researching online, both nationally and on a local level, I recommend that you GET OFFLINE and contact several real estate professionals working where you want to live. Professional, reputable real estate agents are a huge asset and a priceless resource in your home-buying adventure. You need a team of professionals with day-to-day experience in the place you are potentially going to call home to succeed in this challenging market. That team should include an attorney, a mortgage broker or banker and a real estate professional. If you are seeking to purchase real estate on the Crystal Coast, that real estate professional better be me. I can give you more in-depth answers to your questions and site-specific details that you won't find anywhere else. Let me guide you throughout your home buying experience and help you navigate the many challenging and potentially overwhelming issues that arise in nearly every home buyer’s experience. And, after I hand you the keys to your new home, you'll be glad you did!
I hope you found these top three real estate resources worthy of your time. To learn more about buying real estate in Emerald Isle and the Crystal Coast, go to www.EmeraldIsleHomesforSaleNC.com and sign up for my blog. Ready to buy or sell? Call me at 919-308-2292. Explore the video tab for my weekly uploads to my YouTube channel. Subscribe to my YouTube channel and receive free donuts at my Flip Flops Donut shop. Text your email address to 919-308-2292 and subscribe to my newsletter. My book, "Live Where You Vacation" is available on Amazon.com.
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