If your home is giving you "the squeeze" because your family has grown or you're seriously thinking about buying a home in a more upscale neighborhood, then you may be ready to move up to your next home. But how do you get started?
Begin with a "reality check."
First, talk to your lender to see what kinds of mortgage programs and rates are available, as well as how much you will qualify for. More important, take a hard look at your household budget to realistically determine how much of a mortgage payment you can afford each month. If you don't already have a good relationship with a lender, I'd be happy to refer you to lenders who offer mortgage programs that meet your needs.
Then take some time to visit the neighborhoods you may be interested in. Tour homes for sale to see what kind of home is available in your price range. Our team can show you neighborhoods and homes that you might not have considered, but that will meet your needs. Trust your instincts and focus on what you know fits your lifestyle. Then our team can help advise you on the value and investment quality of the homes on the market.
In the meantime, we can perform a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) for your current home to see how it compares to other homes sold in your neighborhood. Then we can determine a realistic asking price. We can also recommend ways to prepare your home for sale. Once you have made a realistic assessment of what you're getting into, then we can put your house on the market and begin to seriously look for your next home.
What if you find a home before yours sells...or vice versa
One of the biggest concerns of move-up buyers is what happens if they find their dream home before their current one sells, or if their home sells before they find a new one. Here's a brief look at several options (please call me for greater detail or help with your particular situation):
If you have an acceptable offer for your home on the table but haven't yet found a new house to move to, you can:
Go for it with the understanding that you may have to move twice - once to a short-time rental unit, the second time to your new home.
Accept the offer with the stipulation that you want a long closing and the right to rent back from the new owner for 60, 90 or 120 days. Assure the buyer that you will do everything possible to move things along so they may be able to take possession of the home sooner than the specified terms.
Think about the future
When looking for your new home, try to think more about your future needs than your current needs. Generally, I recommend buying a home you can afford without overextending yourself. By stretching a bit within your personal budget, the home will better meet your current and future lifestyle, you will likely hang on to it longer, and it will be a better-performing investment in the long run.
With all that said, remember that you will likely not live in your new home forever. The average American relocates 11 times over the course of his or her life. If your new home meets many of your needs, then go for it. You likely will be moving up again in the future.
All The Best,
Herb Johnson
859-372-8019 Direct Line
Herb@HerbJohnson.com Email
www.HerbJohnson.com Website
Buyers and Sellers wanted. Referrals Appreciated!
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