New Year’s Resolutions For Home Buyers

New Year’s Resolutions For Home Buyers

 

Is buying a new home one of your goals for 2021?  Or maybe 2021 is the year you’re going to buy your first home?  If so, it’s never too early to start planning so you are ready when the time is right.  Mike Anderson, a sales associate with ERA Justin Realty has the following recommendations for would-be homebuyers. 

 

Be Honest About Your Finances

“My first recommendation to clients is to honestly review your finances.  Start by comparing your monthly income and your spending habits,” Mike advises. “If you’re a first-time homebuyer, evaluate your discretionary expenses and determine where you can cut back to save toward a down payment. You’d be surprised at how quickly small savings can add up!”

 

Meet with a Local Lender 

“A local lender really understands the dynamics of the market and can provide personalized customer service,” Mike explains. “At ERA Justin, we have a few lenders we regularly recommend to our clients because of their knowledge of both their industry and the local market.” A local lender will be well-versed in both special programs for first-time homebuyers, and can help seasoned homeowners who are looking to move or buy a second home understand how much they can afford and what loan products exist to help them make their purchase a reality.  

 

Speak to a Trusted Realtor

Arguably one of the hardest parts of the process is hiring a Realtor®. “Make sure you pick an agent that is experienced, knowledgeable about the local market, and whose work style and personality is in alignment with yours,” Mike recommends.  “Your agent is your partner in the home buying process,” Mike continues, “So in addition to making sure you have similar styles, it’s important to be as specific as possible with your goals.  Do you want to buy or rent?  Are you buying your first home, an investment home, or a second property?”  The best agents will take the time to thoroughly review your goals so they can make the best recommendations at every step of the home buying process.

If homeownership is one of your goals for 2021, call Mike or any of the experienced professionals at ERA Justin Realty Co.  at 201-939-7500 to discuss your wish list and explore your options. 

 

NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS TO HELP SELL YOUR HOME

While 2020 may have been a bad year by many standards, from a real estate perspective, it was a good year.  Interest rates his all time lows, and for home sellers, that meant a great time to cash in.  These trends look to continue into 2021. So if you’re thinking about selling your home next year, Michelle Korosy, a sales associate at ERA Justin Realty Co, has some advice for things you can do now to prepare to list your home.  

 

Get a Pre-Sale Home Inspection

“Hire a home inspector to do a thorough inspection of your home before you put it on the market,” advises Michelle. “This way you have plenty of time to make any necessary repairs and will be ready to go when you want to list.”  This will remove many objections that your potential buyers may have, and you also might benefit from a faster sale and higher selling price.

 

Start Decluttering Now

“Most people have no idea how much stuff they have until they decide to move,” Michelle continues. “Start going through your basement, attic, closets, spare room, and even your main living areas with the aim toward getting rid of everything you don’t want to move to your new home.” Donate it, sell it, give it away or throw it away! You want your home to look as spacious and clean as possible to attract buyers.  

 

Get a Head Start on Packing 

If you don’t need it for the next six months or so, pack it up. Holiday decor, seasonal items, sentimental items that remained after your decluttering -- all these can be packed now. “The less things you have in closets, the garage, or the basement, the more spacious your home will look and feel,” advises Michelle.  

 

Find a Good Realtor

Take the time to meet with several real estate agents to make sure you find someone who you can trust to help you through the multitude of technical and financial steps that are necessary. A good real estate agent will also be incredibly knowledgeable about the local market, so you can be sure that you get the best possible price for your home. 

 

ERA Justin Realty Co has received the number one ranking in closed sales in Rutherford for 20 consecutive years, and its agents have on average more than 10 years experience. Ready to sell your home? Contact Michelle or one of the other qualified real estate professionals at ERA Justin by calling 201.939.7500.