Greensboro Triad Real Estate Blog

I got a wonderful call from one of my buyers just a few minutes ago.  Young family that have been saving up for the downpayment for a home (moving up in size).  They are getting a pretty good income tax return and now they have their downpayment!!   Yahooo!

So what are your buyers doing with their refunds??  Hey let's face it if they are in the upper end of the "middle class"  or even higher it might be the last one they get for awhile.

I can remember my mother always after me to save.  Well, I grew up and decided to let Uncle Sam save it for me (Hey I was young and dumb I know no interest) let's face it at that age if I didn't have it I couldn't spend it.  So what better way to get a nice chunk of money to put towards something that really is a safe investment. 

The Author:

Larry is a Greensboro Residential Broker, CARTUS Certified Relocation Specialist, Previews luxury homes trained, SRES & CHMS who can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Piedmont Triad Area that include but, not limited to Greensboro, High Point, and Winston Salem, NC.  If you're relocating to or from any other area of the country, Larry connects you with a member of our national team of relocation specialist in your destination or exit city of choice.  The destination service is of no cost to you!  The Coldwell Banker Triad's service guarantee puts us way ahead of the competition by providing customer service that is equal to none.  Your complete happiness is our top priority!  Larry Story - Coldwell Banker Triad Realtor's - 336-327-1841 also at www.storybookhomes.ws

Copyright© 2009 By Larry Story, All Rights Reserved...

OK so you are ready to purchase a home.  Whether this is your first or one of many let's look at some basics;

Does the home have what you need?

Is the home in the right location?

Alright all kidding aside,

When buying a home always keep one main thing in mind you are in the drivers seat.  You have what they want not necessarily the other way around.  The person selling that home really wants you or someone to buy it.  Otherwise they would not have put it up for sale.  To many buyers out there think that they are at a disadvantage when actually it is the opposite.   Most certainly in today's market. 

Make a long list of things you want in the home, neighborhood, and everything.  Start with two columns; your needs and your wants.  Your needs of course you have to have such as central heat and air conditioning.  A want would be if you wanted blue carpet.  Once you have a nice long list give this to your buyers agent this will help them to narrow down the search for your next home.  Now the agent should bring you homes that at the very least meet most if not all of your needs.  Then they should have some of your wants.  You need three bedrooms and two bathrooms but, you would want a fenced yard.  Now the fenced yard could be a need or a want.  You can always fence in a yard after you purchase.  It is not as easy to add another bedroom or bathroom. 

Another large factor on your list is resale value.  Now unless you are planning on NEVER moving again then it is not a big worry except for your heirs.  You might see a nice home at the right price and move in ready but, it is near the new expansion for the local airport and in a years time you will have a front row seat to the planes taking off and landing at all times of the day and night.  Make sure you agent finds out any material facts about the area including future road expansion or zoning changes.  If they put that new expressway through your neighborhood you will unfortunately see your homes value plummet.   So make sure nothing is going to adversely affect your new homes value.

Let your agent do their job.  Do not let them push you into anything you do not feel 100% comfortable with or hesitant about.  Their job is to advise, consult, and support your decisions.  If they are not then change agents.  You are hiring someone to help you make one of the more important decisions in your life.