Considering a Dream Home with a Long Commute?

Location, location, location…. After weeks of searching for a home you start to wonder if you will find all the things you want in a home. There’s many factors that should be put into consideration. Let’s face it, we want it all: an easy commute, nice school district, low taxes, and a great lifestyle. The one thing that sticks out is commute. A nice neighborhood with an easy drive to work is golden. However, what if your dream home means a long commute? Is it worth it? Trust me, it won’t be worth driving through traffic countless hours every week.

Getting everything you want might not be as easy as you think. So, here’s how to factor your commute so you can decide where you would like to live.

Commuting

Commuting is usually defined as travel between the home and the office. So, what’s the issue? Commuting isn’t getting any better and it’s not a bonus for a homeowner. The average Atlanta commutes takes up to an hour.

It’s best to calculate your commute costs, vehicle maintenance, even insurance, before choosing the neighborhood. Sometimes, adding a long commute can double the cost of your expenses.

Lifestyle

This is one of the most important priorities in your decision. Your lifestyle! The generation of young Millennials usually focuses on the night life, restaurants, and outdoor parks. On the other hand, those who have a family and are raising children, would consider what is best for the kids: likely want a short commute and the best school.

Job flexibility

It’s tough to find the balance between work and commute, but adjusting your work schedule to avoid rush hour traffic makes life easier. So, is it worth the commute? It all depends on your job flexibility, whether you work remotely or telecommute. However, if you work from 9 to 5, five days a week, then this may be an issue with the long commute. Those who have the option to adjust their work schedule shouldn’t worry as much about a longer commute.

When you make a big lifestyle change like moving to a new house, make sure it’s about the balance between the price, location and amenities. Waiting to buy until you are comfortable with a home will be a long-lasting accomplishment. Life will be easier for you! To help you weigh the pros and cons, we’re happy to help you make the best decision. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us, we look forward to hearing from you!

Which Documents Should You Keep After Buying a Home?

Throughout your home-buying process, you will receive a load of real-estate paper work. The question is, how do you know which documents you should keep after buying a home? After all, you don’t want to keep all the paperwork. Here are the files you should keep and why:

Buyer’s Agent Agreement

When you start looking for a home, you choose an agent that will represents you in the purchase. This means you sign a buyer’s agent purchase agreement, a contract between you and the brokerage.

Why do you need it? This contract provides information on what the agent agreed to provide you with, such as who pays commission and terms of terminating. It’s best to keep it just in case there’s any issues.

Purchase Agreement

When you buy a home, you signed a binding contract by you as the home buyers and seller that confirms that they agreed on the terms.

Why you need it? It contains legal ramifications in case you and the seller fail to fulfill the agreement. 

Addenda, Amendments, or Riders

For any reason, these types of documents modify the terms of your purchase contract. They are related to home inspections or appraisals, because the original document was changed, it’s best to hold on to these papers.

Insurance Policies

Insurance is a safety net for when risks go wrong. It’s best to keep this document just to reassure any competing claims to the home, such as liens against the property, especially fraudulent signatures.

Property Deed

When you become the owner of the house, you will receive the deed.  This document is the only way you can prove to others that you are legally the owner. You do not want to lose it!

For the most part, be careful not to throw out these important documents.

If you want a full team of experts, we’re happy to help you make the best decision. Taking action now is the wisest way to achieve your goals for tomorrow.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us, we look forward to hearing from you!

4 Tips for Home Buying in Another State

Buying a home out of state can be very stressful, especially if you don’t have the time to travel there on your own. It can be very frightening to not know the best neighborhood without any guideline. It’s unfortunate how you might be gambling for your dream home. That’s just plain stressful!

In case you don’t have a friend or relative living in the state you want to move to, here are a few tips on what you need to know to make a purchase with no regrets.

Do your Research about the House’s Area

The number one thing you should do is research before you buy your dream home. It doesn’t matter if its in-state or out-of-state, but it’s the primary thing to do.

Go online and read about different cities and neighborhoods, including online listing homes. You will be familiar with the different agents that focus in the local community. The earlier you start the process, the less stressful it’ll be.

Find the Right Real Estate Agent

Many buyers are usually referred by family and friends to an agent. It is the best way to find an agent; however, home buyers who are relocating out-of-state usually have a hard time finding the right agent. So, it’s best to be picky when choosing an agent.

After searching online for homes, you can recognize which agents list the most in the neighborhood area. After recognizing different agents, it’s not a bad idea to email a few of them.

Don’t be Afraid to Ask Questions

If you get a little confused on a situation, don’t be afraid to ask questions. The process in another state will most likely be very different. Every situation is different, so just know that things might take a little longer than usual.

Again, don’t hesitate to ask any questions and be patient during the process.

Closing Process

Once you find your dream home, you will have to do a home inspection. If you have a chance to travel, try making it to the inspection as well as the closing date. If there’s any problem during the inspection, it’s easier to understand the issues in person.

After the inspection, the process should be the same as if you were buying a home in-state. Once you have closed on your home, the best way to make a long-distance move less boring is treat it like a road trip. Your move will be exactly what you make of it.

Newer or Older Home?

Life is full of exciting moments, especially purchasing your first home. Whether you are ready to move out of your parent’s home or ending your rental lease, purchasing your first property is a big step. You want to get it right. The one big decision you are facing is whether you should get a newer or older home.

 So, should you buy an old or new-construction home?

Age considerations tend to be the least of the home buyers worry. However, they naturally focus on the price and location of the home they want to buy. Here are advantages and disadvantages to consider when trying to decide which is best:

Old home benefits

The benefit of buying an older home is that they are going to be located in established neighborhoods and ideally near local stores such as shops, restaurants, parks, and public transportation.

Advantage of buying an older home:

• It’s ideally in a more central location
• Can buy in an established school district
• Old house might have new upgrades
•  Older homes have more character, custom design
• Possibly cheaper

The disadvantage of buying an older home:

•  Harder to find your dream home
•  Financing could be tricky
• Possibly be more expensive than buying a new home based on location
•  Might have to settle for a smaller ideal home to live in the right location

New home benefits

The benefit of buying a new construction home is it’s never been lived in, meaning everything in the house is in good working order and nothing needs to be repaired.

Advantage of buying a new construction home:

• Move-in ready (no wait or work to be done)
• Updated technology
• Ability to customize
• Able to finance additions into mortgage
•  Less competition more choices on floor plans

The disadvantage of buying new construction home:

• More expensive than buying old home
• Location might not be ideal
• Construction nearby (hearing noise)

So, what do you think?

In the end, there’s no easy question. It really depends on the first-time buyer’s situation and goals. I believe it comes down to personal preference. Once you have your down payment saved up, you will be ready to go and know exactly what you’re looking for. Owning a home is the best thing that can happen. What is the right choice, for you?

Additionally, why not learn all about mortgage loans for the first-time buyers while saving for your house? If you want a full team of experts, we’re happy to help you make the best decision.  Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for more details: 770-552-1000.

We look forward to hearing from you!