The good news is that if you are in the market today for a new home in
According to CarolinaLiving.com, if you are looking for a new home, the following is what the
2. A Professional Realtor Makes a Difference. Insist on a licensed Realtor who has earned Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) credentials. Ask for and speak to references. Inquire about foreclosures and short sale opportunities in the neighborhoods on your list.
3. Organize Your Finances. Set your budget and get financing lined up in writing. Count on 20 percent down to get the most favorable rates. Plan on holding for at least five to seven years. Calculate points and closing costs.
4. Think Ahead. If you’re buying in a new community with unfinished roads and “promised” amenities, ask to review their HUD filing, Infrastructure Bond, or other written guarantee of completion.
5. Do Your Research. Read up on the town and region. Plan vacations around your search. Spend some time in the
6. Get to Know the Area. Tour, explore, and go out of your way to meet informed neighbors. Visit the local schools, whether you have children or not, as it’s a good indication of value. Drive the property at different times of day and night checking for noise, traffic, light pollution, etc.
7. Make Offers. Cash is always king. Paper is cheap. So be prepared to make numerous cash and non-cash offers that are less than the listed price, but not frivolous.
8. Homesites Require Planning. If you’re looking to buy a homesite or land and build your dream home, then you need to be prepared to work with a community developer, architect and builder. Or, find a Realtor Land Institute member who has earned Accredited Land Consultant (ALC) credentials and specializes in assisting land buyers.
9. Consider Spec Homes. Consider a new construction spec home where you get to make all the selections on interior and exterior of a home that comes with fresh warranties.
10. Buy Green. Buying a green, energy efficient home is a great way to protect your investment and improve your health. “Green mortgages,” offered by some lenders on new green homes, often feature a reduced down payment and other valuable terms based on calculated energy savings.
A special thanks to these Carolina experts who contributed to the CarolinaLiving.com article: Mike Brazeal, Bright’s Creek; Wilson Green, Echelon Sales; Allen Jezouit, Redstone Properties; Donna Sue Jones & Deronda Lucas, Shumaker Homes; Dan Kingsbury, Lake Carolina; Mark Knopic, LongCreek Plantation; Lisa Randolph, High South Realty; Kristen Anthony & Debbie Holland, CarolinaLiving.com.
