What You Need to Know about Financing Your New Home
House hunting is fun and exciting. Searching for homes and imagining the future you and your family will have there is an amazing experience. But before you start looking for a house for sale in Greensboro, you have homework to do. Make the entire experience more pleasant by getting your financial ducks in a row beforehand. Hereâs what you need to know about financing your new home.
Get preapproved for a mortgage.
This is truly the most important step. You need to meet with a mortgage broker at your preferred financial institution and find out what amount you will be able to borrow for a home, if you qualify to do so. Donât set yourself up for the disappointment of finding the home of your dreams and then finding out that you canât get a loan to buy it.
Save, save, save. And then save more.
One of the best things you can do to prepare to finance a home is to build up a solid savings. You will need this money for closing costs, a down payment, and other expenses that come with moving into a new home. You can never save too much, but there are options for down payment assistance that may be available to you, especially if you are first time home buyer.
Determine a Realistic Price Range.
Based on your preapproval amount and a good hard look at your finances, you can come up with a price range for house hunting. You always want to spend less on a home than you are preapproved for to allow room for other bills, expenses, and home maintenance.
Bump Up Your Credit Score.
You can improve your credit score by keeping balances low on lines of credit, avoiding credit checks, and making payments on time. You can read more information about your credit score and request a free copy of your credit report at annualcreditreport.com.
Now You are Ready to Look at Houses.
Once you have covered all of these points, you are ready to look for a house for sale in Greensboro. Smith Marketing of Allen Tate Realtors has a huge database of houses for sale in Greensboro and the surrounding area. Contact Smith Marketing and Allen Tate Realtors at (336) 215-7880.
The Most Effective Way to Find Your Next Home: Hire a Real Estate Agent
These days, where technology rules and do-it-yourself advice is right at your fingertips, it can be easy to think you can find your next home on your own. However, the most effective way to find your next home is to hire a real estate agent. Real estate agents have knowledge and experience or âtricks of the tradeâ you could say, that give you an advantage. If you want access to the most homes for sale in the Triad, hire a real estate agent.
A real estate agent offers definite advantages:
- Inside info. A real estate agent has access to insider info that only real estate agents have access to. Agents network with other agents to help clients buy and sell houses, meaning you may be offered opportunities you could not find on your own.
- Knowledge of the community. When youâre looking for a certain type of neighborhood or community, a real estate agent will know the area well enough to help you find what youâre looking for.
- Financial know-how. A real estate agent will have a good knowledge of the prices of homes in different neighborhoods and can help you make an educated decision regarding offers, price range, and financing.
- Paperwork/closing assistance. Your real estate agent can handle a lot of the necessary paperwork and is willing to be present at your closing to make sure everything goes smoothly and that you understand the paperwork you are signing.
- Negotiation skills. Throughout the process of looking at houses and making offers, you need a real estate agentâs negotiation skills. Your agent acts as the go-between from buyer to seller.
- Experience. All of these things come from the experience your real estate agent has had in the business. The more experience your agent has, the better he or she will be at all of the above.
Get Insider Access to Greensboro NC Homes for Sale by Smith Marketing and Allen Tate Realtors
When you work with Smith Marketing and Allen Tate Realtors, you get access to the biggest database of Greensboro NC homes for sale. Use the online property search and call (336)451-4921 or (336)663-1320 to be matched with an experienced real estate agent.
Qualities to Look For in a Real Estate Agent
When it comes to buying and selling homes, your real estate agent makes all the difference. You need to find an agent you can connect with, who has certain qualities that will help you sell your home and find a new one that meets your requirements. When choosing from real estate agents in Greensboro, look for these qualities.
Communication. One of the most important aspects of the client/agent relationship is communication. You need an agent who keeps you up to date, who contacts you before you contact them. You need to be able to easily get in touch with your real estate agent. And on a deeper level, your agent must be able to adequately express important information regarding the buying and selling of homes.
Good listening skills. In addition to good communication skills, your real estate agent should listen well to your thoughts and needs when it comes to selling your home or buying a new one. When your agent listens to what you want in a home they are more likely to show you homes you will like.
Adaptable. A real estate agent needs to be able to adapt their behavior and technique to suit each individual client. Each client and each home is different, and needs to be handled as such.
Detail oriented. Your agent should know the important details about selling your home and helping you find a new one. A good real estate agent will be aware of the your selling and buying time constraints and your motivation behind buying or selling, using that key information to be successful.
Highly recommended. Ask for recommendations or references from the agentâs most recent clients, as many as 20 if you wish to get a good feel for their reputation.
Want to Find Real Estate Agents in Greensboro with these Qualities?
Try Smith Marketing and Allen Tate Realtors. Real estate agents who listen to your wants and needs combined with experts who know how to list your home to get it sold make a winning combination. Contact Smith Marketing and Allen Tate Realtors.
An Introduction to Luxury Living in the Grandover Area
Would you like to wake up and look out over manicured fairways, lush forests, and green meadows? Donât wait for your next vacation. Wake up to resort life every day at the Grandover in Greensboro. Residential life at Grandover allows you to live within walking distance of all the resort amenities, but away from the hustle and bustle of the resort. Luxury homes are available in many styles including single family homes as well as low-maintenance townhomes and enclave-style homes.
Grandover Offers Resort Amenities Just Outside Your Door
With two golf courses, a junior Olympic size swimming pool, club house, tennis courts, fitness center, and day spa, living at Grandover is like being on vacation with all the comforts of home. Thereâs so much to do at Grandover, youâll never have to leave. But when you do decide to venture out, youâll find everything you need at a convenient distance such as shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Looking for a Great Location to Build a New Custom Home? Grandover in Greensboro has Ready Home Sites.
If youâre looking for just the right home site to build your custom home, check out the available lots at Grandover. Youâll have room to build a luxury home with plenty of yard space to spare. And with so many recreational opportunities available at Grandover, youâll find it easy to get out and stay active.
Maintenance-Free Living at its Finest
Itâs not difficult to find maintenance-free homes in the Greensboro area. But Grandover has much more to offer, such as townhomes and enclave-style homes where yard maintenance is taken care of, and resort amenities are also included. Relax and enjoy life as if you are on a never ending holiday.
Experience the luxury lifestyle of Grandover in Greensboro. Contact Smith Marketing of Allen Tate Realtors at (336) 215-7880
New Construction or Pre-Owned Homes for Sale: Deciding Which is Best for You
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 wonât have to worry about updating, repairing, or expending funds on maintenance.
- New homes are usually more energy efficient so youâll 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, itâs 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 youâre 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 decadesâ 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.
5 Tips for Financing Your New Home
It seems like finding the right home can be the biggest challenge when you decide itâs 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Determine the Homeâs True Monthly Payment Before You Commit
Often youâll see an âestimatedâ monthly payment for the mortgage. But donât 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 youâre comfortable with that true total, move on to the next step.
- 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.
- 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 yearâs 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.
5 Ways a Great Real Estate Agent Can Make the Home Buying Experience Easier
- 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.
- 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
- 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 youâre getting the best deal.
- 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.
- 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 homeâs 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 yearsâ 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 336-215-7880Â with Smith Marketing of Allen Tate Realtors and start simplifying the process.
5 Things to Consider When Choosing a New Home Site
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 youâre familiar with real estate language, one thing youâll hear real estate agents often chant is âlocation, location, location!â 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.
- 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 donât forget about drainage. Slope, like soil, also has a big impact on water drainage.
- The Sun Impacts New Home Design and Energy Consumption
The position of your home in respect to the sunâs location will impact your homeâs 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.
- Area Statistics Can Impact Your Real Estate Decision
If you have young children and are planning to purchase Greensboro real estate, check out the areaâs school system to ensure the academic levels meet your expectations. While youâre checking out the schools, check out the demographics and crime rates in your area to ensure itâs a place you can see yourself living for a long time.
- Consider Shopping Locations Before Purchasing Property
While âbeing away from it allâ 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 youâll need to go to replenish your kitchen or to buy a new sweater.
- 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 youâre 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 336-215-7880Â with Smith Marketing of Allen Tate Realtors.
Property for Sale in Greensboro: Finding the Right Lot for You
The last several years have seen more transitions in the real estate market than perhaps ever before. If you are doing a property search in Greensboro, then you should be aware of all the possibilities and the resources available to help you do so in the most efficient way possible. Hereâs is what you need to consider.
Getting an Overview of Property for Sale in Greensboro
The miracle of technology now allows you to do a property search in Greensboro from the comfort of your own home, so you can get a really accurate idea of all the different choices available to you without spending endless hours driving around looking at places you would never consider. But before you get too specific with your filters, donât dismiss anything out of hand. Here are the basic options you should at least take a quick look at before trying to narrow down your list.
- Custom Build or Resale: Custom built homes allow you to get very close to what you consider your dream home to be, but you may not want to take the time or go through the process. While an existing property for sale in Greensboro might not be exactly what you were looking for, it may be close enough, and you will be able to move in more quickly. Sometimes, builders will even construct spec homes, so you get the best of both worlds: a newly built home that is ready to move into.
- Yards or Zero Lots: Big back yards can be great, for kids or entertaining, but they do require maintenance. Consider your actual needs, is it really just a patio you would like for unwinding at the end of the day? Because even zero lots often provide these, with just enough room to add beautiful landscaping. Even if you have children, communities with zero lot homes often have playgrounds, perhaps a home near one would meet your needs just fine. If you definitely want a large yard, then limit your property search in Greensboro with a minimum lot size.
Details of Property for Sale in Greensboro
Once youâve made a decision about the type of home you want, or even if youâve decided to keep an open mind, you will then want to get into the specifics of your dream home. And it is absolutely amazing just how specific you can get with a property search in Greensboro. Of course, you probably know how many bedrooms and bathrooms you want, but here are some other filters some tools will allow you to enter.
- Square Footage, Both House & Lot: Whether you want a big yard or you donât, narrow your results to listings that match your preference. If you know you want 4 bedrooms, you may want to enter a minimum square footage, so you arenât looking at floor plans you consider far too cramped.
- Features: How many cars do you need to garage? What type of heating and cooling or energy efficiency do you require? Do you only want to see houses more than 50 years old or built within the last five? Would you absolutely love to have a fireplace in the master bedroom? Then look at those first. The right tools can give you all of these filters.
- Location: If you have your heart set on one particular development, or school district, then make sure to choose a website tool that will allow you to narrow your listings results accordingly.
Buying the Right Property for Sale in Greensboro
If you are a first-time buyer or just trying to make everything as simple as possible, you will want to choose a real estate company that is as full service as possible. If you are looking at both resales and new builds, you will want one that is comfortably familiar with both. Bonus points for tools that provide excellent property search in Greensboro.
Smith Marketing has been actively involved with the development of many communities in Greensboro. Their team is knowledgeable and experienced with all types of property for sale in Greensboro. The advanced property search tool on their website is one of the most detailed on the internet, enabling you to get results that are limited to exactly what you are looking for. Call (336) 215-7880 so they can help you find the property for sale in Greensboro that is perfect for you.
Greensboro Real Estate Listings: Using MLS to find a New Home Listings
Are you in the market for a new home in the Greensboro area? These days the best place to start is the Internet. Searching for a new home on MLS (multiple listings service) databases can be overwhelming. There are a plethora of homes available and it is helpful to condense the number down to a shorter list of homes that meet your needs. What you need is a good search tool with many different criteria to narrow your search. Consider the following tips for searching Greensboro real estate listings.
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Decide what you want and need in a new home.
The first step is to determine what you are looking for in your next home. Start with a price range and the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you require. Determine size and number of levels and the type and size of lot you need. Consider proximity to work and other important places. Research the school district and neighborhood you want to be in. These are just some of the search criteria available on MLS listings in Greensboro.
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Search online Greensboro real estate listings.
Once you have established your criteria for your new home, you can plug that information into our search engine to see what is available in the area you are hoping to live. The more detail you put into your search, the more refined your search will be, resulting in a list of homes that should be close to what you are looking for.
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Secure financing.
It is wise to get pre-approved for a mortgage before you begin house hunting. Your financial institution will give you an accurate idea of how much they are willing to finance for your new home. Always set your price range lower than the amount you are approved for because it allows you breathing room for other expenses. Donât buy a house that is more than you can truly afford.
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Contact a Realtor to help you tour homes.
After narrowing your online search to a list of homes you wish to view, contact an Allen Tate Realtor to schedule tours. Realtors, as opposed to real estate agents, are part of the NAR (National Association of Realtors) and have sworn to uphold a certain code of ethics regarding real estate. You can expect better service and greater expertise from a Realtor.
Enjoy the house hunting process. It should be a pleasant experience to find the next place you will call home.
Smith Marketing and Allen Tate Realtors will help you find your dream home
When it comes to Greensboro real estate listings, Smith Marketing gives you access to all property that is available in the area. Our advanced search engine allows you to narrow your search by more than thirty different criteria. We work with Allen Tate Realtors who make it possible to tour the homes you find on our MLS listings in Greensboro. Allen Tate Realtors go beyond the search engine by listening to you and your wishes for your future home. We are the matchmakers of people and homes. If you would like us to help you find the home you have been looking for, contact us or call (336) 215-7880.
For more information on finding real estate: http://buyandsell.houselogic.com/articles/8-tips-finding-your-new-home/