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Increase your business by listing with us. Establish a good relationship with your local residents. Neighborhood Farming
ensures your message
hits its intended target.Featured Realtor
A home can be one of the most important investments most people experience in their lifetime. Choosing the right agent
can help you accomplish your goals.Vikki Morvant
Keller Williams Realty
985-674-1111
Check our list of Top Local Experts who can assist you in your home buying experience.
Often, people don't know what they don't know. Our Home Buying Guide suggests some of the many professionals who help you to get your best home at the right price with the least headheads.
1. Find a good search site.
In addition to homes, choose one that has information on neighborhoods, taxes, etc., and includes an IDX home search. Internet Data Xchange is the sharing system between realtors by which one agent can show you the homes listed by all agents in the area.
2. Consult with a Realtor.
Addresses and prices are just the beginning. A professional realtor who is knowledgeable and experienced can consult you about trends, schools, resale values, etc. Usually there is no cost to the buyer, as the agent is paid by the listing agent, who is paid by the seller. Call our featured realtor for services such as automated email alerts as soon as new listings hit the market, etc.
Contact our featured Realtor for more information.
Keller Williams Realty
(985) 674-1111
3. Get your loan pre-approved.
Choose a local lender to avoid conflicts over appraisal issues and timely closings. Consider the professionals in your home buying experience to be an orchestra, with your realtor as the conductor who coordinates everyone. Do not order or pay for services without first asking your realtor how it is usually handled within a transaction.
Search our database for mortgage lenders.
4. Don't mess with your credit right now.
Do not purchase a car, boat, or other big ticket items. Do not take out a consolidation loan to cancel credit card debt without getting advice from your loan officer. Ask what documents you will need in order to apply for the lowest rates possible. Ask what will be your estimated closing fees so that you can have that amount documented in your bank account.
Search our database for mortgage lenders.
5. Understand market conditions.
Consult with your realtor regarding current typical negotiation margins in a buyer's market vs. seller's. Is there a strategy for dealing with multiple offers? Will you hurt your bargaining position if your offer has contingencies?
Contact our featured Realtor for more information.
Keller Williams Realty
(985) 674-1111
6. Narrow the list of homes.
Previewing homes on the internet can prevent many afternoons of looking for love in all the wrong places (ugly houses, worn-out houses, run down neighborhoods, etc.) Remember location, location, location. You'll know the home of your dreams when you see it. And when you DO see it, be sure that you are with your realtor. If you visit new home sites or open houses without your realtor, you may lose the right to your own representation in the negotiations.
7. Prior to viewings, select other professionals.
Ask your realtor about inspectors, repair estimators, title companies, appraisers, etc. You may want to have your home inspector on standby so that you can proceed immediately after getting an accepted contract.
Contact our featured Realtor for more information.
Keller Williams Realty
(985) 674-1111
8. Select your home and negotiate your offer.
Everybody wants to get a good deal, but avoid having your offer rejected if this is your dream home that you don't want to lose. There is more to negotiate than price alone.
9. Inspect and negotiate again.
Always have the home inspected by professionals so that you know what you are getting. If your contract allows repair negotiation, confirm deficiencies with reports and estimates. Home warranties are good insurance policies, but do not cover pre-existing defects. And it never hurts to talk to the neighbors about traffic patterns, noise, nuisances, etc.
10. Appraisals, title work, loan application.
Ask your realtor for local appraiser recommendations. You want a lender and a title company that returns phone calls promptly and patiently answers your questions regarding the closing. After you get final loan approval, still DO NOT buy any big ticket items! Lenders often pull your credit report again a day before closing and can pull your loan if you are now financing overextended.
Contact our featured Realtor for more information.
Keller Williams Realty
(985) 674-1111
11. Re-inspect, and closing day.
Ensure that the seller's movers did not cause damage. Ask for professional receipts if repairs were required. Ask your realtor if you need certified funds for the title company. Bring your I.D. and your checkbook !
Search our database for title insurance companies.
12. Move in, make changes to make it YOUR home !
Use local home movers. Find other local experts to put your personal touches to your new home and enjoy!
13. Visit www.TopLocalExperts.com often. How may we help you?
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