Are You ready to Move? Here are a Few Steps in the Process to Help You Get Started
You’re ready to move, so what’s next? Unless you’re a first-time homebuyer, you probably have a home to sell to jump-start the process. So, you have two transactions … list and sell your home and find your next dream home to move to. Timing can be tricky. That’s where an experienced real estate agent can help.
Traditionally homes take an average of thirty days to sell. From the list date to closing, that can mean roughly sixty days until the property is turned over to the new owners. Meanwhile, your next home needs to be ready for you to move into in roughly sixty days.
Navigating all of the moving parts requires experience … if you want the process to go as smoothly as possible. That’s where the expertise of your real estate agent comes in.
Real estate agent Robin Atkins knows this all too well from personal experience. She has bought and sold several homes and understands the process. “Moving is inherently disruptive. It can be especially challenging when you’ve been in one place for 10+ years. The simple thought of packing up belonging can be overwhelming. It really helps to have professional help to navigate the parts and pieces of the transactions of selling an existing home and buying a new home.”
The market has been particularly challenging over the past couple of years. Low inventory of homes for sale, and high demand have created a dilemma … where will you go if you sell your home? Will you be able to find another home at a reasonable price? Homes have appreciated, which is great on the selling side of your transactions but possibly a disadvantage on the buying side. Interest rates … Where do you start?
Here are a few steps in the buying process, and how a good real estate agent can make a difference.
- Educate yourself on the market conditions. A good real estate agent can help you with researching neighborhoods, current market conditions, and the sales history of the neighborhoods that you’re interested in.
- Connect with a good local loan officer. Good mortgage brokers are able to help you save money by tailoring loans to your individual circumstances. You’ll want to know what you can afford before you set out to look at homes. Make sure to get pre-approved.
- Determine what you really need and factor in what you really want. Let’s say that you have your heart set on a home office. Would you be satisfied with an extra bedroom that can serve as a home office? Wants and needs are both important, just don’t pass on looking at a great home that’s shy on wants but meets all of your needs.
- Look online for homes … just keep in mind that your real estate agent will have the most up-to-date information and be able to schedule in-person showings. You’ll want to tour homes in person to know if it’s your next home.
- Make an offer! Hooray! You found the home that meets your needs and wants. How much should you offer? Home prices have been all over the place over the past couple of years. You want to make sure that you know what the recent range of prices has been in the neighborhood. Your agent can provide the most accurate information to help you write an offer that will be accepted. Without a sales history, you might either offer too much or not enough. There might be considerations that can be negotiated that are non-monetary. A good agent can help to walk you through the negotiation process.
- Inspections are improtant. Once your offer is accepted, you will want to make sure that the home is in good condition. Your real estate agent will schedule all of the necessary inspections right away. If anything comes to light in the inspection that’s a deal-breaker, you can walk away.
- Close. Get your keys and move in! Congratulations on closing on your new home. The final step is to enjoy yourself. When you buy a home, it’s not just about buying an asset; it’s about finding the best future possible for you and your family.
Robin Atkins is a licensed real estate agent in Missouri and Kansas. She has extensive knowledge of real estate, relocation, and remodeling. As your trusted advisor, Robin is ready to walk you through every stage of the home buying or selling journey. You can reach Robin at 913-752-7221 or by email at robin.atkins@reamre.com. Visit her site at robin.teamre.com.
Robin Atkins ~ Realtor
