You may be wondering.
If I’ve noticed a difference between home buyers and first-time home buyers, it’s in the number of questions they ask. And this just makes sense. For most of you, entering the real estate market means making not just a big financial commitment, but probably your first major investment of any kind.
Because the stakes are so high, you want to make sure that you fully understand every detail of the transaction, every option available to you, every factor that may be negotiated and just generally what is “normal” or “standard” to the real estate business.
I invite you to come to me with every question you can possibly think of. My job is to provide answers and to make you feel comfortable with the process and the final result.
Here are some examples of questions that I tend to get from first-time home buyers.
Answer
There are a number of factors that tend to be most relevant and important to the buyers that I work with. One the one hand, you want your home to be a great investment and therefore I suggest buying a property in a great location. Though costs tend to bit a bit higher in these areas – it’s much more likely that you will benefit from stronger rates of capital appreciation and your home value will be insulated from any corrections in the marketplace. On the other hand, I strongly encourage first-time home buyers to buy a house that is going to require the least amount of capital improvements. The last thing you want as a first-time homebuyer is having to deal with expensive costs such as a roof, windows or even furnace replacements within the first couple years of ownership. My suggestion: buy a home in a great area and find something that will allow you to move in and turn on the BBQ.
Answer
Regardless of type of home or property you’re buying, it is prudent to be aware of these extra costs.- A land transfer tax (a sales tax on property).
- Reimbursement to seller for the unused portion of any prepaid property taxes or utility bills
- Legal fees, and, if applicable, REALTOR® fees