Uncategorized • March 13, 2023

Let Me Guide You Through the Home Buying Process

by Michelle Lewis

Buying a home is a major milestone in one’s life, and it can be both exciting and daunting. The process of buying a home can be complex, and it’s essential to have a professional guide you through the process. As a real estate agent, I can offer you my expertise and make the home buying process as smooth as possible. In this blog, I will discuss the eight steps of buying a home and emphasize the importance of hiring an agent to represent you.

Check Your Credit: Before you start looking at homes, it’s important to check your credit score. Your credit score is a crucial factor in determining your mortgage rate and eligibility for a loan. You can obtain a free credit report from the three credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
Connect with a Lender: Once you have checked your credit score, the next step is to connect with a lender to determine the loan amount you qualify for. You can shop around and compare mortgage rates from different lenders to find the best option for you.
Hire an Agent: After you have obtained pre-approval for a mortgage, the next step is to hire an agent to represent you. As your agent, I can help you navigate the home buying process, negotiate on your behalf, and ensure that you get the best deal possible.
Start the Home Search: Once you have hired me as your agent, we can start the home search. I will listen to your needs and preferences and help you find homes that meet your criteria. We will schedule showings, and I will accompany you to view the properties.
Expert Negotiation: One of the most valuable aspects of having an agent is their negotiation skills. As your agent, I will use my expertise to negotiate on your behalf and ensure that you get the best deal possible. My goal is to get you the home of your dreams at a price that you are comfortable with.
Appraisal and Inspection: After you have found the home you want to buy, we will have an appraisal and inspection done. An appraisal will determine the fair market value of the home, while an inspection will reveal any potential problems or issues with the property.
Final Walkthrough: Before closing, we will do a final walkthrough to ensure that the property is in the same condition as when you made an offer. If there are any issues, we will address them before closing.
Closing: The final step in the home buying process is closing. At closing, you will sign the necessary documents and pay the closing costs. Once the transaction is complete, you will receive the keys to your new home.

In conclusion, buying a home can be a complex process, but having a professional agent to represent you can make all the difference. As your agent, I will guide you through the entire process, from checking your credit score to closing on your new home. While showing you homes is an essential part of what I do, my real value is in negotiating on your behalf and navigating you through the entire process. If you’re thinking of buying a home, don’t hesitate to reach out to me for assistance.

Let Me Guide You Through the Home Buying Process

Uncategorized • March 10, 2023

Importance of Real Estate Education When Hiring an Agent

by Michelle Lewis

Importance of Real Estate Education When Hiring an Agent

When it comes to important decisions in life, such as seeking legal advice or medical attention, or financial investment advice, most people take care to carefully choose qualified and experienced professionals. They want to know where the individual received their education and training, and often, that information plays a critical role in their decision-making process. However, when it comes to hiring a real estate agent, many people do not give the same attention to the educational background of the agent. This can be a mistake, as the education and training of a real estate agent can have a significant impact on their ability to help you buy or sell a property successfully.

Real estate is a complex and ever-changing industry. Laws, regulations, and market trends are constantly evolving, making it essential for agents to stay up-to-date on the latest information and best practices. When you work with a real estate agent, you want to be sure that they have received the proper training and education to help you make informed decisions throughout the buying or selling process.

While attending a prestigious university or earning a degree in a related field can be an asset in most professions, in this business, it’s important to focus on where the agent received their real estate education specifically.

For example, my brokerage Century 21 Beggins/BE3, provides their agents like me with daily training and coaching from a leadership team with over 30 years of experience and more than 60,000 transactions completed. This type of ongoing education and support makes a significant difference in my ability to navigate complex real estate transactions and negotiate on behalf of my clients.

If you’re in the market for a real estate agent, be sure to ask about their education and training, and don’t hesitate to seek out an agent with a strong commitment to ongoing learning and development. Or, better yet, just call me.

Uncategorized • March 9, 2023

Your Home Equity Report

by Michelle Lewis

As a real estate agent, I often come across homeowners who are not fully aware of the equity they have in their homes. While most people keep track of the money in their bank account and retirement funds, they overlook the importance of knowing the equity they have in their home. This can be a costly mistake since a home is often the largest and most valuable asset that an individual possesses.

Equity is the difference between the current value of your home and the amount you owe on your mortgage. For instance, if your home is worth $500,000 and you owe $300,000 on your mortgage, your equity would be $200,000. This equity can be used in a variety of ways, such as taking out a home equity loan, using it to make improvements to your home, or as a down payment on a new home.

It is important to keep track of the equity in your home because it can change over time. Factors such as market conditions, home improvements, and paying off your mortgage can impact the value of your home and thus, your equity. Regularly updating your home equity report can provide you with a clear picture of your financial standing and give you the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about your future.

As a real estate agent with Century 21, I can provide homeowners with an up-to-date home equity report. All I need is their email to send them a detailed analysis of their home’s current value and equity. With this information, homeowners can make informed decisions about their financial future and make the most of their largest asset.

In conclusion, understanding the equity in your home is just as important as knowing the money in your bank account and retirement funds. It is vital to keep track of your equity as it can impact your financial standing and opportunities. As a real estate agent, I am dedicated to providing homeowners with the information they need to make informed decisions about their home and finances. Contact me today to learn more about your home equity and how I can help you stay updated as it changes over time.

Your Home Equity Report

Uncategorized • March 2, 2023

Tips for Improving Your Credit Score When Preparing to Buy a Home

by Michelle Lewis

A good credit score is crucial when preparing to buy a home, and many of us are aware of some common tips for improving credit such as paying bills on time and reducing debt. However, there are several lesser-known strategies that can also help improve your credit score.

While basic tips like paying bills on time, reducing debt, keeping your credit utilization low, and avoiding opening new accounts are all important, there are some lesser-known credit improvement tips that can make a significant difference.

Consider a credit builder loan, for instance. It’s a small loan that you pay off over time, designed to help you build or improve your credit score. This can establish a good payment history and increase your credit score.

Another strategy is negotiating with creditors if you’re struggling to make payments. You may be able to work out a payment plan or settle for less than what you owe, which can prevent late payments or collections from hurting your credit score.

Becoming an authorized user on someone else’s credit card is also a little-known tactic that can help boost your credit score by adding positive credit history to your report. But make sure to set clear expectations and make payments on time, as any negative activity will also impact the primary account holder’s credit score.

Using rent payments to improve your credit is another lesser-known tip. Some landlords now report rental payments to credit bureaus, so paying your rent on time can help boost your credit score. Sign up for a rent reporting service that will report your payments to the credit bureaus on your behalf.

Lastly, it’s important to monitor your credit report for any unauthorized inquiries or errors. Each time you apply for credit, it results in a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can temporarily lower your score. Keeping an eye on your report can help you maintain a good credit score.

As a local real estate expert with Century 21, I can help guide you through the entire home buying process, including improving your credit score. Contact me today to learn more about how I can help you achieve your dream of homeownership.

Uncategorized • January 20, 2023

Let’s Talk Home Buying Strategies…

by Michelle Lewis

Buying a new house is a significant financial investment, and it’s essential to have a budget in place before starting the process. Creating a budget for a home purchase can seem daunting, but with the right tools and guidance, it can be manageable.

The first step in creating a budget is to determine how much you can afford to spend on a home. This includes not only the purchase price but also closing costs, moving expenses, and any necessary repairs or renovations. A good rule of thumb is to keep your housing expenses, including mortgage payments, insurance, and taxes, at or below 28% of your gross income.

Next, you’ll want to consider your down payment. A larger down payment will reduce the amount you need to borrow and may also result in a lower interest rate. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that you’ll also need to have funds available for closing costs and other expenses.

Once you have a general idea of how much you can afford to spend, it’s time to start gathering information about homes in your desired area. Keep in mind that the purchase price is not the only cost to consider when buying a house. Property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs can add up over time.

As a local real estate expert and part of a brokerage that sells 10-15 homes a day, I can help you navigate the process of buying a new house. I have access to the latest market data and can provide valuable insights into the local housing market. I can also help you find homes that fit within your budget and assist with the negotiation process.

In conclusion, creating a budget for buying a new house is an essential step in the home-buying process. With a clear budget, you’ll be able to focus on finding the right home and not worry about overspending. As a local real estate expert, I can help you navigate the process and ensure that you find a home that fits within your budget.

Let Me Guide You Through the Home Buying Process

Importance of Real Estate Education When Hiring an Agent

Your Home Equity Report

Tips for Improving Your Credit Score When Preparing to Buy a Home

Let’s Talk Home Buying Strategies…

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