Shopping for a new home is an emotional experience. It’s also time consuming and involves many details. When you have a systematic plan before you shop, you’ll be sure to avoid these costly errors. Get the right Realtor to represent you throughout the proces, and read these tips on making the most of your home purchase:

Making an offer without sufficient information

What price do you offer a seller? Is the seller’s asking price too high? Is it a deal? Without research on the market and comparable homes, you could lose thousands of dollars. Before you make that offer, be sure you have researched the market.  Sign up for my Advanced Home Search and let me share my experience and expertise in the Daytona Beach area real estate market.

Buying a mis-matched home

What do you need and want in a home?  Clearly identifying your needs and wants puts you in a better bargaining position when you make an offer. Sometimes, home buyers buy a home that is too large or too small. Perhaps they didn’t consider the drive to work, the distance to school, or the many repair jobs waiting for completion. Plan ahead.  Use your needs list as a guideline for every home you view, and contact me at yourkeytothebeach@gmail.com for help in making that list.

Unclear title

Before you sign any document, be sure the property you are considering is free of all encumbrances.  My knowledge of the area and contacts at the title companies, will supply you with a copy of the title and ensure there are no liens, debts, undisclosed owners, leases or easements.

Outdated survey

Before the purchase is completed, an updated survey is essential.  Many Realtors will tell you a survey is not important, but this report is the only thing that will indicate boundaries and structural changes (additions to the house, a new swimming pool, neighbor’s new fence which is extending a boundary line, etc.).  I can recommend competent surveyors and help protect you from future boundary disputes.

Unexpected repairs

For $300 - $500 a professional inspector will conduct a thorough inspection of the home. This way, you’ll have an idea of the cost of future repairs.   If I represent you, we will make your officer subject to a favorable inspection.

Shopping without pre-approval

It only takes a few days to get financing pre-approval.  Don't settle for a pre-qualification letter.  Demand a pre-approval from a lender.  I can suggest respected lenders and explain why seller will be more likely to consider your offer.

Remember additional costs

Besides the amounts for the purchase of a home, you’ll need funds for items such as loan fees, insurance, legal fees, surveys, inspections, etc.  I can work with your lender to obtain a HUD 1, or statement of settlement costs, long before you get to closing.

Rushing the closing

Before you sign, I will help you ensure that all documentation clearly reflects your understanding and conditions of the transaction.  My job is to protect and represent you ethically and professionally. 

Call me when you are ready to start looking.

Sherry Armstrong
Daytona Beach Area Buyer Specialist
386-679-3191