Dear Esther:We need a larger home and have just begun thinking through selling and purchasing. Should we begin looking for what we may want to buy before we sell ours?
The first step in searching for a home is finding out what you can afford. Meeting with a mortgage representative who will help you understand what it costs to sell and buy is crucial. Looking at properties that are outside of your financial reach is a waste of everyone’s time.
The next step is to compile a list of items important to you in a home and prioritize them. This includes desired acreage, number of bedrooms/bathrooms, garage and/or size of it – anything you feel is important for your next home.
Finally, finding a good real estate agent to help you begin looking is crucial. If you know the area you want to live in, find an agent who is familiar with that area. She will not only be acquainted with the ins and outs of the region, she will also understand the value of one property over another. Her expertise in finding homes on the market that fit your description will help you get the most for your dollar. As a buyer, this service is most often paid for by the sellers.
Even if you’re not in a position to purchase yet because your home is not sold, looking at properties in advance gives you an opportunity to do your homework. Usually, the more you see, the more you come to realize what you like, what is available at your price range and where you want to live. Then, when your home is sold, you’re ready to write up a contract on another.
If you have real estate questions, please contact Esther Prosser, Stoltzfus Realtors, esther@stoltzfus.com, 484-269-7153.
