Tips for Buyers

Published Jul 14, 2015

TipsForBuyersThough ultimately rewarding, buying a home can sometimes be a daunting process. Aligning yourself with an expert in real estate, doing your research, and preparing important documents can aide in completing a successful home purchase. These are some of New Jersey Realtors tips for buyers:

 

Work With a Realtor. Not every licensed real estate agent is a Realtor. While all Realtors are licensed agents or brokers, they are also leading professionals in the field who subscribe to a strict code of ethics and belong to the largest trade association in the country. Realtors are able to provide expertise on market trends, property conditions, and many other important aspects of a real estate transaction.

 

By working with a Realtor, buyers can see comparable homes for sale, track sales prices in a desired neighborhood, and gain insight on many other aspects of a home purchase. Be honest and upfront with a Realtor about your preferences and financial situation so they can gather the best houses for your consideration.

 

Examine Your Financial Situation. Look at your expenses and monthly budget to determine what you can comfortably afford. Many financial experts recommend spending no more than 28 percent of gross monthly income on your mortgage, property insurance, and taxes, but each person’s situation is unique.

 

Research and Determine Your Preferences. First, determine what type of property you are looking for (single-family home, condo, townhouse, commercial property, etc.). Think about your desired location. Determine what factors you will be looking for when shopping for a home and separate them into absolutes, electives, and frills.

 

Make the Most of the Current Market. Depending on where you live in New Jersey, the housing markets can look very different. Your Realtor can provide data on what’s happening in the state, your country, and even the towns you’re looking at.

 

Know Your Mortgage Options. Realtors routinely suggest that buyers start the mortgage process well before bidding on a home. Often, this means getting pre-qualified so you know that maximum amount you can borrow. Your New Jersey Realtor can provide referrals to loan offices to shop around with different lenders and learn what type of mortgage loan will best fit your situation.