Finding a home is an emotional activity for many of us. Sometimes, we may be unrealistic about our ideal home or overestimate our finances.
The Georgia real estate market is quite competitive, and it is easy to make wrong decisions, especially if you are new to the market. However, you can hire the services of an experienced realtor to handle the potentially intricate and time-consuming process.
Tim Stout Group helps buyers find homes for sale in Georgia and takes care of the entire home-buying process. They connect buyers with sellers in Coweta, Senoia, Sharpsburg, Newnan, Moreland, and Lagrange.
Finding a Home in Georgia
You’ll no doubt find several properties for sale in Georgia when you start looking. However, not every property will suit your preferences. It can also be challenging to settle on a choice when faced with several options. The following tips should guide you when deciding on a property:
Location
Finding the right location is one of the most crucial aspects of buying a home. You have to decide whether you are willing to live with your family in a neighborhood.
You want to consider schools and other amenities in that location since you’ll be staying there for a long time. The area of your home also affects the property resale value if you ever think of selling to buy a second home in the future.
Decide on Specific Features for Your Home
Make a list of features that your home must possess – number of stories, number of bedrooms, garden, and so on. You may also want to list features you desire but can live without – maybe a pool or a wrap-around balcony. This checklist will guide you in finding a home that is most suitable for your needs.
Find a Real Estate Agent
A competent real estate agent can make your home search a no-stress experience. Your realtor should be able to help you find your dream home, connect you with sellers and ultimately get you a good bargain.
The staff at Tim Stout Group are experts in finding property for sale in Georgia. They help people find their dream house, sell their homes, or find lucrative investment properties.
Get Your Finances in Order
You have to get pre-approved for a mortgage before you begin a house search. A mortgage pre-approval tells you how much funding you can get from your bank. It also tells the seller you are ready to deal. Most sellers will not negotiate with you without this document. You would also want to have a down payment of at least 20% of the property price.
A higher down payment makes your monthly payments lower since you’re borrowing less. You may also want to consider costs not covered by the property price, such as taxes, furnishing, utilities, insurance, and repairs.
Inspect the Property
A thorough inspection lets you know about potential issues on the property so you can avoid unnecessary maintenance and repair costs in the future. Check the roofing, the floors, windows, doors, plumbing, heating, and property exterior.
Even if you hire a professional inspector, you can come along with your own house inspection checklist so you can find things not included in a standard checklist.
Ask Questions
The property seller or real estate agent should be willing to answer any question you have about the property. It would help if you already had a list of questions, so you don’t forget anything. No appropriate question should be off-limits when it comes to buying a home. Always be wary of sellers or realtors who shy away from answering specific questions.
Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Home
Buying a home is a big step. Many people get overwhelmed by the process and make some wrong decisions. Here are common mistakes to avoid when buying a home:
Not Considering the Future
Many buyers too often look at the present condition of a property rather than what it could become.
They let a few physical imperfections turn them away from what could be a perfect home. Sellers often use minor fixes to raise their offering price considerably. Doing a few home upgrades yourself is often cheaper than letting someone do them for you.
Ignoring the Neighborhood
Finding a good property is not the be-all and end-all when it comes to purchasing a home. A decent home in an unsuitable area is not always a nice thing. Analyze the current and future development plans in the neighborhood, and how they may affect your lifestyle before paying for a property.
Not Using a Realtor
Real estate agents are bound by law to put your interests above theirs. Directly bargaining with a seller or their agent can put you at a disadvantage. A realtor will be unemotional about any deal and is in the best position to broker a favourable deal.
In 2019, 88% of homebuyers bought their property through a real estate agent or broker, according to the National Association of Realtors. Tim Stout Group is a real estate agency that helps buyers find homes in Georgia. They handle every aspect of your home buying process while keeping you in the loop at all times.
Steps to Buying a Home in Georgia
If you have decided to purchase a home in Georgia, follow these steps to make your adventure as hitch-free as possible.
- Ensure your finances are in order.
- Choose a neighborhood that meets your goals.
- Hire the services of a qualified real estate agent.
- Get mortgage pre-approval.
- Start searching for properties in your preferred neighborhood.
- Make a solid bid on the property.
- Prepare to inspect and appraise the property
- Perform a final walkthrough and close the deal.
Final Thoughts
Georgia currently offers a thriving seller’s market. Property prices will rise in value by a projected 7.6% over the next 12 months. Mortgage rates are also relatively low, with an average of 2.94% for a 30-year mortgage.
Buying a house in Georgia does not have to be tough. You only have to do your homework and get the right estate agent, and you are good to go.
