Even if you're just starting to search homes for sale online, your first step is to meet with the best real estate agent so you begin your journey with confidence. We match you with the right agent so you save time and it costs you nothing.
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Posted on 5/2/2020 6:44:40 AM
So you're ready to buy a house. If you think house hunting is like trying to find toilet paper during a pandemic, you're not alone. Most buyers say finding the right home is the most challenging step of the home-buying process.
Searching homes for sale in Arlington online isn't the same with every site. Did you know that national portals, like Trulia and Zilliow, are slow to show new listings?
When a property is listed for sale it hits the local mls in a matter of minutes, usually about 15, but can take as long as 9 days to populate to nationally syndicated sites according to studies on the subject.
Real estate agents are a dime a dozen. That's why you don't need just any agent. You need the right agent. A Arlington Realtor who understands the local real estate market can go a long way.
It's a great reason to hire a real estate agent when buying a house because they understand the intricacies of Arlington homes for sale. With the vast amount of real estate information available online, some home buyers choose not to hire a Arlington Realtor.
While you may succeed in finding a home, an agent is extremely useful in the negotiation process. Buying a home is a big deal and when the time comes to make an offer on a house a Realtor can help you avoid mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars.
As tempting as it is to have a relative, a friend from church, or your cousin's hubby's buddy help you, always stick with a vetted professional who has experience and can help you find the right home. Call us today and we will connect you with the best Realtor.
Conservatively, your monthly housing costs should total 28% or less of your total gross income.
By this measure, a single adult with a $50,000 annual salary, or $4,167 in gross pay per month, can pay housing costs of up to $1,167 per month. This includes payments toward your mortgage principal, interest, real estate taxes and homeowners insurance.
The preferred ratio of monthly housing costs and any other debt payments to monthly gross income is generally 36% or less.This second metric can paint a much more accurate picture of what a first-time borrower can and can not afford from a lender's perspective.
When you begin searching homes you may be focused on the size of the yard or the square footage of the kitchen, but there are other attributes to a home that are even more important to consider.
Newer homes generally have two or more bathrooms, although some bathrooms might not have a tub or shower. The size and style of bathroom is important as well. Do you want a bathtub or shower or both?
Jacuzzi tubs are popular for relaxing, and some people prefer a shower stall for easy access.
The kitchen truly seems to be the heart of the home. It is where great food is created for the family and friends who gather there. When guests arrive, they usually end up hanging out in the kitchen, and because it's a center of activity and entertainment, the size and layout are important.
If you're in a position where you have savings, family assistance, or a job that's likely to remain stable even if we are in a recession, buying a home makes sense. A key factor to consider when deciding whether now's the right time to buy a house is whether it makes more economic sense for you to rent or buy in the market where you live. The price-to-rent ratio can help you compare total costs of owning a home versus total costs of renting a similar property.
Most financial experts recommend you keep housing costs to 30% of your income or less. If you can't find a home that's affordable based on this ratio, consider waiting to buy until your income increases or you've moved to an area with a lower cost of living where your home won't take such a large percentage of your take-home pay.
The best time to buy a new home in Arlington can also be when you're cash flush, your credit score is strong, and you don't have a lot of large debts.
Buyers are looking for newly-built homes that include ample space for an outdoor garden or even a mini-greenhouse. As more people experiment with growing their own vegetables and herbs, adequate space and resources for gardening are a hot feature.
One of the really great things about giving your agent a list of specific amenities and features is they can utilize technology to find that perfect home for you.
If you want to make a smart investment on your home purchase, you need to buy a house that'll go up in value. Talk to your real estate agent about home values in your area and their potential.
Think about your life stage. It doesn't make sense to buy a house if you may move next year. The process of buying and selling a house is expensive, so make sure you feel confident you'll be in that area for the next five to seven years.