Buying a Home
Welcome home!
Welcoming our clients to their new homes is among the most rewarding feelings for all of us at Froemming Realty. Whether you are a first-time buyer or finding your next property, buying a home is a personal journey.
We grew up here and know the communities personally. Because of our intimate knowledge of the area, we can bring you insights about the communities and local market conditions so you can find the perfect fit.
We work for you
Even in a competitive market we can find the right home for you.
As a buyer’s agent, we’re not only plugged into Multiple Listing Service, we also find home haven’t listed yet.
Check out Froemming Realty’s Home Buying Tips for finding your perfect home
Home Buyer Tips
Tip 1 – Call Froemming Realty
Not all agencies are alike. Working with a connected, local realtor means you get the best service. Froemming Realty brings years of experience with market knowledge, community insights and a network of lenders, inspectors and legal professionals to the table to make your home-buying experience easy and stress free.
Tip 2 - Finding the right Seller
The best seller is one who is highly motivated. A highly motivated seller is more likely to sell for less than his or her house is worth. Knowing why they are selling can help you get the price you want and help the seller get what they want: a speedy closing. Some reasons could be anything from job change to a new location to financial problems. If you can solve their problem, whether it is cash related or time related, do so. For example, if the sellers are highly motivated because they need to move quickly, give them a fast sale – and a lower price. If you can make an offer, even a low one, that gives them cash in a short time, they are more likely to accept.
There are also some sellers that you should avoid. Not every seller is as genuinely motivated as they make themselves to be. Some possible hints:
- They are willing to come off their price and say they do not need to sell.
- unable to clear up liens against their property
- does not own 100% of their property
- does not have a replacement property or back up plan
It is impossible to find the perfect seller. But it is possible to find out which sellers are legit, and which ones aren’t.
Tip 3 - Do not make any large credit purchases
Don’t go on a spending spree using credit if you are thinking about buying a home, or in the process of buying a new home. Your mortgage pre-approval is subject to a final evaluation of your financial situation.
Even if you have accumulated enough savings, you should consider not making any large purchases until after closing. The last thing you want is to know that you could have purchased a new home had you curbed the urge to spend.
Tip 4 - Getting Pre-Approved
Every important decision needs to be clearly thought out. Developing a home buying plan can help you focus on the important factors and organize the entire process. Most lenders can pre-qualify you for a mortgage over the phone. Based on general questions about your income, debt, assets, and credit history, lenders can estimate how much mortgage you qualify for. However, being pre-qualified and pre-approved are different things. Pre-approval means that you have applied for a mortgage; you have filled out the mortgage application, received your credit report, and verified your employment, assets, etc. When you are pre-approved, you know exactly what the maximum loan amount will be.
In addition to being pre-approved, it’s important to be pre-approved with a legitimate lender. Legitimate lenders include: banks, mortgage bankers, credit unions, savings and loan associations, mortgage brokers, and online lenders.
Tip 5 - Get A Quality Home Inspection
Although it is hard to believe, more people pay for inspections before buying used cars than when making the biggest investment of their lives – their homes. Paying for a
qualified home inspection before you buy a home isn’t just spending “a little extra” for peace of mind. it’s absolutely essential for anyone who doesn’t want to spend thousands of dollars for repairs.
As a buyer, you are entitled to know exactly what you are getting. Don’t take for granted what you see and what the seller or the listing agent tells you. An inspection is an opportunity to have an expert look closely at the property you are considering purchasing and getting both an oral and written opinion as to its condition.
In addition to being pre-approved, it’s important to be pre-approved with a legitimate lender. Legitimate lenders include: banks, mortgage bankers, credit unions, savings and loan associations, mortgage brokers, and online lenders.
Tip 6 - Know what market you are buying in
Hot Market –
This is an extremely competitive market, one that is advantageous to the seller. Sometimes, homes will sell as soon as they are listed or even before homes are listed. Typically, during a hot market, multiple offers will be made on each home and more often than not, homes will sell for more than their asking price. It is even more crucial to be prepared and to be ready as a buyer when the market is hot. It can be easy to get caught up in the bid for a home, but if you are prepared (pre-approved, solid in price range, realistic about your needs), it is easier to remain focused on your housing needs and price range.
Normal Market –
In a normal market, there is fairly a large number of homes available and an average number of buyers. This market does not necessarily favor the buyer or the seller. A seller may not have as many offers on their home, but he or she may not be desperate to sell either. Again, it is the buyer’s responsibility to be prepared. During a normal market, the chances to negotiate are higher than in a hot market. As a buyer, you can expect to make offers at lower than the asking price and negotiate a price at least somewhat less than what the sellers are asking.
Cold Market –
In a cold market, houses may be listed for more than a year and the prices of houses listed may drop considerably. This market is advantageous to the buyer. As a buyer, you have the time to make an offer that works to your best interest. It is not uncommon to low-ball and to find that sellers are accommodating to meet your needs. Keep in mind that even though this market is a great time for buyers, you do not want to lose your dream home by being unrealistic. Your goal is to get your dream home at the best possible price.