We asked a couple of gay real estate professionals from different areas to give us tips on how to buy a home from acquisition to a satisfactory move-in. A lot of advice was offered to us and we decided to provide the best tips relevant to our readers.
Get the right agent
A great agent is essential in the process of acquiring a home. You need check out sites like GayRealEstate.com to find a top gay realtor and also carry out interviews of a couple to establish the right candidate for the job. Once you identify the right person, ensure they are willing and able to communicate to you in the way that you want be it email, text or anything else.
Make sure you are pre-approved for a loan
According to Denver Gay Realtor Merlin Parker, having a preapproval letter or lack of one for that matter may mean getting or missing on a perfect home ownership opportunity. Being approved for a loan makes you more confident and realistic about prices and also keeps you one step ahead of other home buyers.
Avoid looking at too many homes.
Looking at too many homes will only make you overwhelmed and leave you confused ~ yes, you should see every home in your price range that fit in your parameters of size, location, construction, etc., but don’t make yourself crazy by trying to see every home on the market, in any location, etc. Make a list of the things you consider must-haves and those you consider luxuries. Narrow the search down by “commute time to work”, recreational outlets, church and other items of importance.
Be open minded
Many buyers set out looking for “the perfect house” only to realize that the features they desire in a house are only found in a very old mid-century ranch, not the brand new construction specified. It is important to stay open minded and open to suggestions from your agent, who may have a better idea of what would work for you and your desires.
After you find a home, learn the neighborhood.
According to gay realtor Jeff Hammerberg, it is important to go back to the streets where you have found a potential candidate at different times of the day to get a feel for the vibe of the neighborhood. Since a significant part of your life in that neighborhood will revolve around the neighborhood itself, and amenities offered ~ it’s great to be clear about your new neighborhood.
Walking trails, library, shopping, neighborhood activities/newsletter?
Do not buy without a home inspection
It is imperative to get the home you intend to buy inspected by certified inspectors. A home inspector can look at everything top to bottom. If you have additional concerns, hire an expert in structural, electrical, residential roofing, furnace, ac, mold inspection, and tree removal. Never rely on the aesthetics alone.
Speak up if you don’t understand something.
If you do not understand any part of the home buying/inspection process and paperwork, you should feel free to ask. In as much as the agent will have handled the whole process for you (and with you) you should avoid signing documents that you do not understand, as they may come back to haunt you.
Submit your highest and best offer upfront
In cases where the market is doing really well, a lot of the properties listed for sale will receive multiple offers. Give a realistic offer supported by comparable sales ~ your agent will provide and review this data with you prior to submitting an offer.
Be ready to compromise
In this market, a winning bid may have to be tailored to fit the seller’s needs. You should not lose a house you like over something trivial like appliances, a light fixture, or an extended or expedited closing. It is the big things such as the neighborhood, size and layout that matter when you want a house.
Do not get emotional
Irrespective of how attracted you are to a house, you should not be pushed beyond your budget. Do not push yourself beyond reasonable limits, and ensure you work with people you are comfortable with. Also make sure you have a backup house that you like as this may reduce the excitement and the tension associated with getting a home.
Author Jeff Hammerberg is a gay realtor and Founding CEO of GayRealEstate.com ~ Offering Free Instant Access to the Nation’s Top Gay, Lesbian and Gay Friendly Realtors Coast to Coast. Free Buyers Representation ~ Free Relocation Kit to any City, USA ~ Free Sellers Market Analysis for home sellers.