Buy a home

New Year’s Resolutions for Homebuyers
Thinking about buying a home in 2023? Add these resolutions to your list.

1. Check your credit score. This number is essential to landing a mortgage, so it’s important to know where you stand. Many credit card companies and banks allow you to check for free!

2. Pay down debt. The amount of debt you hold affects both your credit score and the amount you are eligible to borrow. The less you owe at the time of purchase, the better!

3. Save up for a down payment. The more you can offer, the more options you’ll have—but don’t forget to set some money aside to cover closing costs and moving expenses.

What else do you need to do to prepare for a home purchase? Reach out for a free consultation.

You need to know about the 5-year rule.

Some financial experts caution against buying a home unless you plan to own it for at least 5 years. This is because there are costs associated with purchasing and selling a home, and it may take time for the property’s value to rise enough to offset those expenditures.

If you aren’t sure about your new area or think you will need to move soon for work or family, you may be better off renting for now.

But if you plan to stay in your community long term, purchasing a home can be a fantastic opportunity. That time will allow you to build equity as your home value appreciates. Plus, you’ll gain a priceless sense of security and stability.

What other factors should you consider before taking the plunge

Were you outbid on your dream home?  You’re not necessarily out of luck.
A backup offer can keep you in the game.
What should you know about backup offers before entering into one?

- You will automatically go under contract if the first buyer falls through.
- You could lose valuable time searching for another home while you wait.
- Just like a primary offer, you’ll be locked into your initial bid.

Having a backup offer in place can help you get the house you want, even if you’re second in line. 

Ready to start your home search? Contact us today!

Time isn’t always on your side, especially if you’re trying to time the real estate market.

Some homeowners postponed selling while they waited for prices to hit their peak. Here’s why you shouldn’t wait any longer:

* The market is unpredictable — even experts can’t guarantee what it will do next!
* You could pay more to buy your next home the longer you delay.
* It’s still a great time to sell, but rising mortgage rates are beginning to slow down demand.

You can’t control the real estate market — but you can control when you put your home up for sale.

Contact us to start a conversation about the right time to make your move.

Nine out of 10 people partner with a real estate agent to sell their home.

Those who try to do-it-themselves find out that selling a home can be hard, time-consuming, and often less lucrative than if they would have listed with an agent.

In fact, according to a recent study by the National Association of Realtors, homes listed by agents sold for 22% more than the average for-sale-by-owner home.

Why do-it-yourself when you can save time and make more money with a professional?

Want to know exactly how we add value to your home sale? Check out our latest blog post on “7 Costly Mistakes Home Sellers Make (And How to Avoid Them)”

One of the biggest missteps sellers make is pricing their home too high.

Starting too high can cause a downward spiral that looks a little like this:

⬇️ Buyers avoid setting up tours of your property
⬇️ Your home sits on the market for weeks with little to no activity
⬇️ Eventually, you’re forced to drop your price in desperation

Fortunately, you can avoid this scenario in three easy steps.

Watch the video for more info, then contact us for a free home value assessment!

In today’s market, the value of a good buyer’s agent cannot be overlooked. Here are three reasons to work with one when buying your home.
 
1. Save money. A buyer’s agent negotiates on your behalf to help you to get the most bang for your buck.
 
2. Get expert guidance. A buyer’s agent provides rational advice to help you avoid overpaying or taking on unnecessary risk.
 
3. Gain a competitive edge. A buyer’s agent knows how to craft a compelling offer that appeals to both the seller and their listing agent.
 
Need a skilled and trustworthy buyer’s agent? Contact us to see how we can help you on your home buying journey.

Jean-Luc Andriot 
561-213-9008
JLA@Groupjla.com
 

Our nation is in the midst of a serious housing crunch. Last year, a lack of inventory and soaring prices left many would-be homebuyers feeling pinched. But now, with interest rates climbing, many of them are also feeling desperate to lock in a mortgage—which has only added fuel to the fire.1

Fortunately, if you’re a buyer struggling to find a home, we have some good news. While it’s true that higher mortgage rates can decrease your purchasing budget, there are additional ways to compete in a hot market.

Yes, a high offer price gets attention. But most sellers consider a variety of factors when evaluating an offer. With that in mind, here are five tactics you can utilize to sweeten your proposal and outshine your competition.

We can help you

If you’re searching for drama, don’t limit yourself to Netflix.

Instead, tune in to the real estate market, where the competition among buyers has never been fiercer. And with homes selling for record highs,1the appraisal process—historically a standard part of a home purchase—is receiving more attention than ever.

That’s because some sellers are finding out the hard way that a strong offer can fizzle quickly when an appraisal comes in below the contract price. Traditionally, the sale of a home is contingent on a satisfactory valuation. But in a rapidly appreciating market, it can be difficult for appraisals to keep pace with rising prices.

Thus, many sellers in today’s market favor buyers who are willing to guarantee their full offer

Finding the RIGHT property

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, shopping for a new home can feel daunting. In fact, 56% of buyers said that “finding the right property” was the most difficult step in the home buying process.1

Buying a home is a significant commitment of both time and money. And a home purchase has the power to improve both your current quality of life and your future financial security, so the stakes are high.

Follow these five steps—and complete the corresponding worksheet offered below—to assess your priorities, streamline your search, and choose your next home with confidence.

STEP 1: Set Your Goals and Priorities

The first step to finding your ideal home is determining WHY you want to move. Do