Are you searching in Greensboro, NC for homes for sale and unsure if you want to build a custom home or buy a pre-owned home? Learn about the pros and cons of both to help you make the right decision on where you will live next.

Advantages of Building a Custom Home in Greensboro NC:

Building a custom home takes longer than buying a pre-existing home, but the benefits are bountiful.

• As the name indicates, you can tailor your home by building custom. Customize the layout, style, location and more.
• When you move in, you won’t have to worry about updating, repairing, or expending funds on maintenance.
• New homes are usually more energy efficient so you’ll decrease the size of your carbon footprint and your monthly energy bills.

Disadvantages of Building a Custom Home:

While getting the home of your dreams can be a dream come true, there are some drawbacks to consider:

• It can be slightly more expensive than purchasing a pre-owned home.
• It takes a lot longer from contract signing to finalization to move into your new home.

Advantages of Buying a Pre-Owned Home:

While you cannot customize the design of a pre-existing home with the freedom of building your own, there are plenty of pros to choosing pre-owned:

• Because it is already built, it’s convenient. Upon financing and offer acceptance, you can typically move in within 30 days.
• It can cost less because you are not spending money designing layouts and breaking ground for a new home.
• You can choose from established neighborhoods that have the characteristics you’re seeking in schools, entertainment, and other factors.

Disadvantages of Buying a Pre-Owned Home:

It may be more convenient and less costly, but there are a few cons to consider if you decide to go with a pre-existing home:

• You may have to update the interior to your style preference upon moving in, which might include painting and flooring.
• You will likely have to spend more money on maintenance and repairs sooner than if you custom build.
• You will likely have to update the appliances, cut back an overgrown yard and check under the house for moisture problems.

Make Your Search for Greensboro, NC Homes for Sale Simpler by Partnering with Experts

Searching for Greensboro, NC homes for sale and trying to make the decision to build new or buy pre-owned can be both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you choose to build new or buy pre-owned, working with qualified real estate agents will ensure you make the right decision. Smith Marketing Inc. has more than two decades’ experience helping buyers select both custom homes and pre-owned Greensboro NC homes for sale. Make the right decision today by partnering with Smith Marketing Inc. and call Jason Smith at 336-451-4921 or Jeff Smith at 336-215-7880 to start your home buying process.

It seems like finding the right home can be the biggest challenge when you decide it’s time to move. Spending hours searching online for homes for sale in Greensboro, NC, scheduling viewings, researching the neighborhood and making offers is overwhelming. Finalizing financing can be just as hard. Make your move easier by learning 5 tips for financing new homes.

1. Check Your Own Credit Before You Let a Lender Run It

Find out what your current credit score is and if there are any outstanding debts you can take care of before calling a lender. Taking care of defaulted debts or unpaid loans will help your process and increase your credit score so you can secure a better interest rate.

2. Compare Lender Mortgage Interest Rates First

Letting a lender run your credit creates a hard inquiry that remains on your credit for two years. Hard inquiries can impact your overall credit score. Before you give up your personal information and let a lender run your credit, compare offers out there to see who has the best deals. Talk to your real estate agent, too, for insight on the best mortgage deals.

3. Determine the Home’s True Monthly Payment Before You Commit

Often you’ll see an ‘estimated’ monthly payment for the mortgage. But don’t forget to include your escrow payments in that total. Property taxes, annual property insurance, and Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) will all add to your monthly payment. If you’re comfortable with that true total, move on to the next step.

4. Determine Your Down Payment

Some loans may require little to no down payment depending on your loan type. If a down payment is required, figure out if you can afford it. If you cannot, find out what other options are available. Also, keep in mind you will be required to pay a monthly PMI if your loan amount is higher than 80% of the value of your home.

5. Organize Your Financial Documents Before You Call

Lenders will require several documents prior to determining if you qualify for a loan. Gather at least 2 months of pay stubs, last year’s W2, tax return, and bank statements before getting on the call. Having your documents ready will expedite your credit application processing time.

Start Your Search for Homes for Sale in Greensboro, NC Today

Real estate agents work in the home industry day-in and day-out for years. They often have industry insight and knowledge that can add value to your experience and impact your decisions. Working with a reputable firm can make your next move simpler. Make your search for homes for sale in Greensboro, NC easier by calling Jason Smith at 336-451-4921 or Jeff Smith at 336-215-7880.

1. Real Estate Agents Have the Most Reliable Home Information

There are literally hundreds of options out there to search for a new home on your own as long as you have the time to commit. However; not all the information is always current or accurate. Real Estate agents have access to MLS which provides detailed information about the current status of a luxury home. This can save you quite a bit of time by ruling out any listings under contract or homes that were recently sold.

2. Agents Can Help with Financing Resources

Not only are real estate agents current on all new financing rules, they also have insight on the best

mortgage deals and lenders out there which saves you the time of interpreting new laws, hunting for the best deals, and comparing rates.

3. In-Depth Pricing Knowledge on Luxury Real Estate in Greensboro

A real estate agent buys and sells homes in your area day after day and knows what recent homes sold for and what prices they are currently listing at. This insight helps them analyze prices and offers to make sure you’re getting the best deal.

4. Real Estate Agents Know Luxury Neighborhoods

Just as agents have in-depth knowledge on pricing and sales, they also understand the neighborhoods thoroughly. They can help you choose a neighborhood that aligns with your lifestyle and desire.

5. Real Estate Agents Understand Inspection Documentation

Setting up inspections can be confusing, but real estate agents can connect you with recommended inspectors to ensure your home is thoroughly reviewed. Inspection results can be overwhelming and confusing. Not for luxury real estate agents; they review them every day. An agent can help interpret a home’s inspection results and help you make a decision to buy, negotiate, or move on.

Make Your Home Buying Experience Easier with Expert Real Estate Agents in Greensboro

Make your home buying experience easier by relying on the expertise of Smith Marketing Inc. With 27 years’ experience in buying and selling luxury homes in Greensboro, Smith Marketing provides the insight and resources to help you the right decision on your home purchase. Call Jason Smith at 336-451-4921 or Jeff Smith at 336-215-7880 with Smith Marketing of Allen Tate Realtors and start simplifying the process.

Choosing to build a new home is a decision that turns into more decisions. What builder to select, what floor plan, how much to spend, and where to build, are all decisions to be made when building a new home. If you’re familiar with real estate language, one thing you’ll hear real estate agents often chant is “location, location, location!” Understanding how location impacts your Greensboro real estate purchasing decision is crucial to making the right choice. Find out why by reading these 6 tips to consider when choosing your home site.

1. Slope Affects Drainage and Property Costs

The idea of a home sitting atop a high hill may be dreamy, but it will likely cost more for your builders to build into a hill. The same caveat applies if your site sits in a valley. Consider how the land grading will impact construction costs. And don’t forget about drainage. Slope, like soil, also has a big impact on water drainage.

2. The Sun Impacts New Home Design and Energy Consumption

The position of your home in respect to the sun’s location will impact your home’s design. Determine how the real estate is positioned so you can create your layout with sunlight in mind. In addition, sun impacts energy consumption. If your site has little shading, or too much, it can impact your energy bills come hot or cold weather.

3. Area Statistics Can Impact Your Real Estate Decision

If you have young children and are planning to purchase Greensboro real estate, check out the area’s school system to ensure the academic levels meet your expectations. While you’re checking out the schools, check out the demographics and crime rates in your area to ensure it’s a place you can see yourself living for a long time.

4. Consider Shopping Locations Before Purchasing Property

While ‘being away from it all’ sounds nice, the comfort of seclusion from busy streets may turn into an inconvenience when you run out of milk. Review how far away grocery stores and shopping centers are located so you know just how far you’ll need to go to replenish your kitchen or to buy a new sweater.

5. Future Area Plans for New Home Builds Can Affect Your Future, Too

The only thing constant in life is change. Keep that in mind if you’re choosing a Greensboro real estate site that is away from city. Check to see if there are any future plans to build around you so you can plan for new neighbors and construction if you decide the site is right for you.

Select the Right Greensboro Real Estate Home Site Today

Lessen the stress of researching your site by relying on experts in the Greensboro Real Estate market. Smith Marketing takes the time to get to know you and your plans to help make your site selection one that suits you and your future. Get help choosing the right home site now by calling Jason Smith at 336-451-4921 or Jeff Smith at 336-215-7880 with Smith Marketing of Allen Tate Realtors.